Newark Public Schools Hosts Special Education Training on IEP Software for Educators

Training focused on utilizing EasyIEP technology to meet needs of students with disabilities and increase academic success

[Newark, NJ – April 29, 2016] – Newark Public Schools (NPS) hosted an IEP Planning training for Child Study Team (CST) members across the district to help them better utilize EasyIEP on April 26th and April 27th. EasyIEP is a new Individualized Education Program (IEP) database that NPS general and special education teachers as well as school leaders and CST members can access to outline the learning objectives, goals, and progress of students with disabilities over the course of their academic career.

“EasyIEP will allow all educators in our schools to collaborate effectively and efficiently to ensure each individual student who is entitled to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) has access to the services they need to achieve academic success,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of NPS. “The district is committed to making sure our educators have the support and resources they need to create engaging lesson plans and measure student progress.”

The EasyIEP training, which was held at Harold Wilson School, consisted of three half-day sessions for CST members who are integral in creating IEPs. CST members are currently serving students with special needs from Pre-K through 12th grade.

“EasyIEP is an incredible tool that enables teachers to measure student progress and make adjustments to the special education curriculum,” said Marilyn Mitchell, Executive Director of the Office of Special Education. “This data-driven instruction has already helped us improve our special education program and will ultimately help us on our mission to ensure every child in Newark reaches their full academic and social potential.”

This week’s training is part of a broader, district-wide effort to ensure that all students throughout the district, including those with disabilities, have access to the resources and support they need to increase their academic achievement. The district has been hosting professional development and EasyIEP trainings for general and special education teachers, CST members and school leaders throughout the school year.