Increasing the dialogue among stakeholders in New Jersey’s special education system
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Trauma-Informed Practices

Trauma-Informed Practices (TIP) have become especially relevant in recent years. Researchers have defined TIP as a set of practices that address the impact of trauma by creating a safe and caring environment. Trauma-informed practices focus on creating a safe school culture, building relationships, and supporting students’ self-efficacy. Despite the research on trauma-informed practices, they can be disconnected from the daily needs of educators in the field.

The eleven practices in this article, summarized by the National Association of Education (NEA), can be used by educators across all educational settings.

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Special Education Basics

Common Ground is sharing a series of basic and important special education topics on the rights, responsibilities, administrative processes, and legal remedies parents and students may encounter, and to which they are entitled.

View the posts in this series now >>

Feature Articles & Resources

Feature articles • In-depth consideration of current special education topics and practices. • Experienced and authoritative writers. • Resources for parents, teachers, and professionals. • Fostering dialogue among special education stakeholders.

From the Courts & Capitols

Covering legal and legislative developments that shape special education in New Jersey and nationally. • Specific cases from administrative, state and federal courts. • Legislative and administrative policy developments at state and federal levels.

Information Parents & Educators Can Use

By and for parents, teachers and professionals. • Teaching and assessment strategies for specific learning and behavioral challenges • Peer-to-peer advice and experience sharing • Q&As and FAQs for use on the front line • Statistics and data for trend identification.

Latest CG Articles

The Role of the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) in Special Education

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) plays an important role in special education. It helps to ensure that students with disabilities get an appropriate and equitable education.

USDOE: Enforcing IDEA

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) monitors states for compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in several key areas. These areas help ensure that students with disabilities receive the services and supports they need for a quality education. This article covers seven key areas of the Department’s monitoring functions.

Dismantling the US Department of Education: The Impact on Special Education

Policy leaders headed to Washington have proposed major changes to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) — some have suggested that it be “dismantled,” and others have suggested it be “abolished.” Article touching on consequences of dismantling the USDOE.

PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE: Project 2025

Project 2025 is a plan being considered by the Trump administration. As a parent, it’s important to get involved. It has the potential to change how laws and services work for people with disabilities, including special education. If this plan is put into action, some important protections, such as access to special education or healthcare services, could be reduced or taken away.

Federal Funding and the “Strings” Attached to It

The U.S. government provides funding to states for special education, helping schools support students with disabilities. This money comes with important rules, or “strings,” that states must follow to receive the funds.

SNAPSHOT

USDOE statistics on funding to states, special education costs coverage, NJ funding,

From the Courts: US Supreme Court Overturns the Chevron Doctrine

On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court made a big decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, striking down the “Chevron doctrine.” This decision ends a forty-year-old practice that allowed courts to defer to federal agencies when interpreting unclear or ambiguous laws.