Students from The Bridge Academy were recently recognized for their help with working with student teachers from The College of New Jersey. For the last seven years, The Bridge Academy, in Lawrenceville, has had an exceptional partnership with the College of New Jersey with their Collaborative Literacy Project. This unique partnership, between Bridge and The College of New Jersey, provides direct experience for college students studying language-based learning disabilities and dyslexia. The program gives college students experience of working with pupils with high incidence disabilities as well as research-based remediation techniques. Faculty from the college and Bridge Academy work together to design meaningful learning experiences in the practicum setting, and teachers from The Bridge Academy teach some of the course materials at the college. TCNJ students visit the school once a week to work one-to-one with a Bridge student.
The program provides direct experience for college students working with students with language-based learning disabilities and dyslexia. Under the direction of TCNJ professor, Dr. Kathleen Rotter, and Bridge Academy teacher, Ann Marie Harshaw, the college students have learned how to complete assessments, plan appropriate lessons, select materials, and adapt instruction to meet the various needs displayed by the students.
Dr. Rotter recently presented certificates to The Bridge Academy students in recognition for their help in preparing future special education teachers.
“The Bridge Academy been invaluable in developing the course curriculum and in assisting in its delivery,” said Dr. Rotter. “This program has provided TCNJ students with a unique field experience with students with severe reading disabilities as well as an opportunity to work within a school in a collaborative manner with practicing teachers.”
The Bridge Academy is an independent; NJ State approved school for students (ages 8 -18) with language-based learning disabilities, like dyslexia, auditory processing and ADHD. For more information about the school, please visit their website or call 609-844-0770.
