by Common Ground | May 25, 2025 | Current-Issue, Features
Federal law grants parents a key role in helping to ensure their child with disabilities gets an appropriate education. Parents can have a steep learning curve as they learn how to navigate the special education system. Without training and support, most parents do...
by Common Ground | May 25, 2025 | Courts, Current-Issue
In April, U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools. The case centers on what standard students must meet in order to bring claims of disability discrimination at school. At issue is whether students with disabilities must show that schools...
by Common Ground | May 17, 2025 | Current-Issue, Q&A
Disagreements in special education can feel stressful, but they don’t have to become battles. Most people on the IEP team want the same thing: for the student to succeed. By learning how decisions are made, understanding common issues, and knowing your rights,...
by Common Ground | May 17, 2025 | Current-Issue, Parents
by Joanne De Simon The first time I sat on the parents’ side of the table to create an individualized education program, my son was four months old. He had just been diagnosed with a rare, life-limiting brain malformation. I’d been to many IEP meetings as...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Features
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. Through its Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and its work with other...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Features
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...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Features, Uncategorized
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.” During his campaign, President Trump promised to “close the...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Parents
Project 2025 is a plan being considered by the Trump administration. 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...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Features
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. To get federal money, states must follow...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
For the 2023–2024 school year, the USDOE allocated about $15.8 billion for IDEA, which is distributed among the states. Federal funding covers 13–15% of the total cost of providing special education services nationwide. The rest is covered by state and local...
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