by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Current-Issue, Features
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...
by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Current-Issue, Teachers
Students with disabilities may lack the skills to tell you what they need, but knowing that all behavior is communication reminds parents and schools to figure out what they are trying to tell us. Your students may be trying to communicate something bigger when they:...
by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Better IEPs, Current-Issue
Parents often have questions about how the IEP can address the needs of a child with behavioral disabilities. Understood Explains has created a helpful series of short videos on a range of topics related to the IEP. Watch IEPs and Behavior by Understood below on this...
by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Capitols, Current-Issue
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued four fact sheets on the disability-related rights of students with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. Each fact sheet describes the condition, explains how the condition may affect a student at...
by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Capitols, Current-Issue
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report showing Black girls had the highest rates of exclusionary discipline in schools and were the most disproportionately disciplined group among girls, according to an analysis of civil rights data. Although...
by Common Ground | Nov 23, 2024 | Courts, Current-Issue
In October, the U.S. Supreme Court began its new term. There are two significant special education cases before it that have the potential to impact the future of disability rights in public schools. A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Features
The use of seclusion and restraint in schools has become a critical topic of discussion, especially concerning students with disabilities. While these methods are sometimes presented as necessary interventions to manage challenging behaviors, they raise significant...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Parents
BEFORE IT HAPPENS: Parents can take proactive steps to help prevent the use of restraint or seclusion on their child in schools. Here are some effective strategies: Educate Yourself and Your Child – Learn about your child’s specific disabilities, triggers, and...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Capitols, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
While restraint continues to occur in New Jersey schools, the state has made progress in addressing the issue of seclusion and restraint. In 2020, the state enacted a law requiring the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to collect data on incidents of...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Parents, Professionals, Teachers
In New Jersey, several organizations provide resources, training, and support to help reduce the use of seclusion and restraint for students with disabilities. Here are some key organizations: New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) – Provides...
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