Shamong Township School District

In the Shamong Twp. School District, Special Education is the third tier in a continuum of services available for students who are experiencing difficulties in the classroom. This tier is based on the RTI (Response to Intervention) model. Students reaching this tier have an individualized program that is formally documented in an IEP or Individualized Education Program. Shamong Twp. School District has all placements available as defined by the New Jersey Administrative Code. Each student's program is designed to provide the appropriate interventions and services in the least restrictive environment.

The majority of classified students receive their instruction in the regular education class. Others maybe pulled out to a special education class for small group instruction. All students are included in the mainstream for homeroom, lunch, specials, and school-wide activities. A multi-sensory phonetic instructional program will be utilized in  language arts, along with an array of supplemental support resources designed to be utilized with the general education math curriculum. 

 The Shamong Township School District services 3 and 4 year old students who have been identified as needing Special Education and Related Services under the category Pre-School Disabled through Child Find efforts.  This program focuses on speech / language development, social interaction, and gross and fine motor skills development as well as reading readiness and phonemic awareness.  Creative Curriculum is the guiding force of instruction in this program which runs in both the mornings and the afternoons on a half day schedule.  If you know of a 3 or 4 year old student who may be in need of identification services, please email Sandra Knowles, Director of Special Services at sknowles@shamongschools.org or call the office at 609-268-0220 ext 2008. 

Programs & Services

Our district provides a full continuum of programs and services to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services ensure access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Each program is designed to provide specially designed instruction, related services, and supplementary aids and services that support academic, social, and emotional growth while enabling students to participate meaningfully in school and community life.

In-Class Support (ICS)

Students receive instruction in the general education classroom with the support of a special education teacher and/or instructional aide. This model provides access to the general curriculum alongside peers without disabilities, while ensuring the delivery of specially designed instruction, accommodations, and modifications as documented in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Resource Programs

Resource programs provide small-group or individualized specially designed instruction for part of the day. These programs target identified areas of need, such as reading, writing, or mathematics, while continuing to promote progress in the general education curriculum. Instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications are tailored to each student’s IEP to build independence, strengthen skills, and foster academic success.

Specialized Programs

For students who require a more structured setting with intensive supports, our district offers self-contained classrooms. These programs provide specially designed instruction aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, in addition to individualized supports, behavior interventions, and integrated related services. While instruction is more specialized, opportunities for inclusion with peers in general education are provided to the maximum extent appropriate, consistent with the LRE mandate under IDEA.

Related Services

Students may receive related services as determined by their IEP team to support access to and progress in the general education curriculum. These services may include:

• Speech-Language Services – To address communication needs that affect academic and social participation.

• Occupational Therapy – To support fine motor, sensory processing, and functional skills for school participation.

• Physical Therapy – To develop mobility, balance, and strength that promote independence in the school environment.

• Counseling Services – To address social-emotional and behavioral needs that impact learning.

• Behavioral Supports – To implement positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) tailored to student needs.

Out-of-District Placements

In some cases, a student’s IEP team may determine that the district cannot provide the level of specialized programming or related services required. When this occurs, the district arranges placement in a state-approved public or private program that can meet the student’s needs. The district continues to ensure oversight and collaboration with families and receiving schools so that students remain fully supported and able to access FAPE in the LRE appropriate to their unique needs.