What is the Basic Skills Program?

The Basic Skills program is one in which individual students are identified to receive targeted services in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. Students are identified based upon multiple measures which can include performance on State tests such as NJASK, GEPA, or HSPA, district tests such as NJPASS, performance assessments, portfolio scores, teacher recommendation and/or classroom performance. 

What is the goal of the program?

The aim of the South Brunswick Basic Skills Program is to accelerate the learning of a child in an area of deficiency so that “no child is left behind” in achieving academic proficiency.  The program is individualized and provides each child with the support that is necessary to achieve success.

What tests/assessments serve as the basis for determination of the need for basic skills?

(Note: A child may also receive services based on teacher identification.)

Grade 1:  Literacy Portfolio and End of Year Kindergarten Test

Grade 2:  Literacy Portfolio and End of Year 1st Grade Test

Grade 3:  Literacy Portfolio and NJPASS Math

Grade 4:  NJASK

Grade 5:  NJASK

Grades 6-8:  NJPASS

Grade 9:  GEPA

How are services delivered?

Services may be delivered in a number of ways including the following:

• in-class instruction delivered by the child’s classroom teacher,
• in-class instruction provided by an additional teacher in the classroom,
• pull-out instruction,
• supplemental instruction during Encore (middle school),
• in-class paraprofessional support,
• one-on-one tutorial,
• extended day (before or after school programs, homework clubs), 
• and extended year programming (Summer Academies).

When will a parent be notified of a child’s placement into a Basic Skills Program?

Once assessment scores have been gathered and staff has undertaken an analysis of the data and looked at multiple measures, a parent receives a letter from the school indicating that the child has been identified for academic support in reading, writing, and/or math.  In the middle school these letters are sent home in the summer; in the elementary schools these letters are sent home in the fall.

What can a parent do to assist his/her child with reading, writing or math?

Parents are invited to attend Parent Workshops which provide strategies for parents to use with their children in literacy and math. 

If a parent has a question or concern regarding the Basic Skills Program, what should he/she do?

Questions should be directed to the school’s administration.