(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)March 31, 2017

MAHWAH, N.J. – Ramapo College’s Master of Arts in Special Education program has launched an innovative partnership with The Forum School, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian day program for developmentally atypical children from preschool through high school.

Working under the guidance of Professor Julie Norflus-Good, Director of the Master of Arts in Special Education program at Ramapo College, educators at the Waldwick, N.J.-based Forum School mapped out a pilot project designed to expand and improve transition services, and at the same time, help prepare the next generation of educators to work with students on the autism spectrum.

Joined by their teacher, Ms. Beverly Asinofsky, students from The Forum School’s E.L.I.T.E. program head to Ramapo College every week, where they spend time with 18 undergraduate students who are studying in the College’s Teacher Education program.  Together, they work on collaborative projects, including touring the campus, cooking together and working on homework.  At the end of every visit, the group enjoys lunch together in the College’s cafeteria.

Norflus-Good believes this cutting edge partnership will help her students, all of whom are studying general education.

“Today’s classrooms are diverse, and I believe all students need as much hands-on learning as they can get,” she said.  “Not only do my students benefit, but The Forum School students have developed confidence, independence, problem-solving and new social skills. It is an amazing collaboration – a win-win for everyone.”

Brian Detlefsen, principal at The Forum School agrees. “This collaboration gives our students an excellent opportunity to experience life on a college campus, and develop friendships with similar-aged peers.  They look forward to the visits and have grown so much.”

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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