On January 10th we attended the Inclusion Leadership Conference in Galloway, NJ. This conference is hosted by New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (now All In for Inclusive Education) and sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education. We have been attending this twice-yearly conference since 2022.

Amanda's key takeaways from the conference emphasize the need for a unified vision of inclusion, the power of AI and assistive technology in learning, and the importance of clear expectations and positive reinforcement in classroom management. Sessions I attended highlighted expert resources, strategies for executive functioning and behavior management, and tools like AT4NJ, NotebookLM, and MagicSchool AI to support educators, students, and their caretakers.

AW

One of the things I appreciate about this conference is the variety of workshops and that the information presented is useful & interesting as a parent...It also covers topics beyond what you may expect; my favorite session was History of the Disability Rights Movement and Person First Language. 

TJ

I attended breakout sessions on executive functioning, data collection, and the removal of resource rooms in high school math and replacing them with fully inclusive college prep math classes. I left informed and inspired to make immediate changes to my daughter’s programming as well as to share exciting ideas with district special education leaders and parents. There are so many exciting ways that children with disabilities are being included with their peers that the question now becomes not “How?”, but “Why not?” The future is bright if we're willing to believe they can.

AN

Attending the NJCIE seminars is always very informative, from resources to new interventions and technologies.  During this seminar I focused on sessions that would help the older students, the impact that inclusion has on the students well being and academic success.  There are leaders, although few and far between, that are willing to challenge the current school structure and look outside the box incorporating all different learners into one classroom with a focus on a structure of support, accessibility and accommodations. I attended two sessions that truly stood out: the first was Two IDEA Essentials for Inclusion: Placements and Supplementary Aids & Services. The other was No Need for Resource Room for HS Math where challenging the current structure of the system, looking at research in regards to inclusion is shaping the systemic changes that we are hoping continue to see within our schools. Looking forward to the next seminar and all that it has to offer. 

EP

https://www.allinforinclusiveed.org/

Mission

All In for Inclusive Education supports inclusive education for all students with disabilities as a fundamental civil right. All In for Inclusive Education views inclusion as a means to creating an equitable, socially just democratic society.

The next Inclusion Leadership Conference will be on June 6, at Kean University in Union, NJ.

Understanding and Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children

Raising a twice-exceptional (2e) child is like solving a complex puzzle—gifted in some areas yet struggling in others. These children might excel in academics, the arts, or problem-solving while facing challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, or emotional regulation. As parents and caretakers, our role is to navigate these paradoxes, advocate for their needs, and help them thrive.

What Does It Mean to Be 2e?

2e children are both gifted and challenged, often experiencing:

• Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia)

• Attention Issues (ADHD, executive functioning struggles)

• Autism Spectrum Traits (intellectual ability paired with social/emotional difficulties)

• Emotional Intensity (anxiety, frustration, social challenges)

For example, my seven year old son is brilliant at math and geography but struggles with simple routines like putting on his shoes. His emotional highs and lows keep me on my toes, but his potential is undeniable.

Challenges 2e Children Face

• Underchallenged in Class – Standardized classrooms often lack enrichment, leading to boredom and frustration.

• Invisible Needs – Giftedness can mask learning challenges, and struggles can overshadow strengths.

• Inconsistent Performance – Acing a test one day, struggling the next, often mistaken for laziness.

• Executive Functioning Struggles – Organization, time management, and impulse control can be difficult.

• Emotional & Social Struggles – Big emotions and difficulty connecting with peers.

• Lack of Support for Gifted Needs – Schools often focus on remediation over enrichment.

How Parents and Caretakers Can Help

Supporting a twice-exceptional child requires creativity and perseverance. Here are practical steps you can take:

• Advocate for Evaluations

  • Push for school assessments that address both giftedness and learning challenges. Private evaluations can offer additional insights.

• Work Closely with Schools

  • Develop an IEP or 504 Plan that balances strengths and challenges.

  • Advocate for gifted education programs alongside special education services.

• Push for Enrichment Opportunities

  • Request advanced coursework or creative projects that excite your child’s mind. Outside of school, explore gifted programs, tutors, or online courses.

• Build Executive Functioning Skills

  • Use tools like planners, timers, and structured routines to help your child manage tasks effectively.

• Support Emotional Growth

  • Teach your child to manage frustration with techniques like deep breathing or taking breaks. Therapy or social skills groups can also help.

• Join Parent Networks
  Join local groups like the Cinnaminson SEPAG. Sharing stories and strategies with others who “get it” can be incredibly validating.

Resources for 2e Families in New Jersey

• The Gifted Child Society: Programs and advocacy for gifted students.

• NJ Department of Education: Guidance on special education and gifted programs.

• Gifted and Distractible by Julie F. Skolnick: A must-read for 2e families.

Final Thoughts

2e children need tailored support to reach their full potential. By understanding their paradoxes and advocating for their needs, we can help them thrive academically and emotionally.

Are you raising a 2e child? Join us for a discussion during our next SEPAG Parent/Guardian Meeting on February 13, 2025. 

AW

Our site was designed with district parents in mind, but most of the information and resources throughout could benefit anyone seeking information about special education in New Jersey.

If you are new to special education chances are you’re feeling confused and/or overwhelmed. I certainly was a few years ago, when my son transitioned from Early Intervention to our school district. Since then I have had a crash course on everything from IEP to FAPE to LRE to IDEA (please do check out our list of acronyms on the Resources page 😉). 

You’re not imagining it; navigating special education is incredibly complex. It can be emotional, because it’s your child. Too often it feels lonely. 

This is where SEPAG comes in. Our goal is to be a reliable source of information, and to offer support and the opportunity to connect with other parents who are in a similar situation. 

We take note of common questions and issues to provide valuable feedback to the district regarding special education, so we can continuously improve opportunities and outcomes for all students.

We invite you to explore our site, follow us on social media, and join us at upcoming events. 

Happy advocating!

TJ