by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Current-Issue, Features, July 2026
Special education aims to provide students with disabilities the skills and supports necessary to participate as independently and successfully as possible in school, work, and community settings. While classroom instruction is essential for developing academic and...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Better IEPs, Current-Issue, July 2026
A strong Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than a document that identifies services and supports—it is a roadmap designed to help students develop skills that lead to meaningful participation in school, community, employment, and adult life. While...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Current-Issue, July 2026, Parents, Uncategorized
Parents can play a significant role in reinforcing and extending Community-Based Instruction (CBI) beyond the school setting. Because CBI focuses on applying skills in natural environments, families are uniquely positioned to provide additional opportunities for...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Current-Issue, July 2026, Q&A
Q: How does CBI help prepare my child for a job? A: CBI provides opportunities to practice workplace-related skills in real settings. Students can learn punctuality, following directions, communicating with supervisors, problem-solving, teamwork, and appropriate...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Current-Issue, July 2026, Professionals
For transition coordinators, Community-Based Instruction (CBI) is more than an instructional strategy—it is a practical method for preparing students with disabilities for adult life. While transition plans outline goals related to employment, independent living, and...
by Common Ground | May 15, 2026 | Features, May 2026
Social learning plays a crucial role in supporting students by promoting inclusion, communication, and skill development. Through interaction with peers, students gain opportunities to observe and model appropriate social behaviors, improving their ability to form...
by Common Ground | May 14, 2026 | May 2026, Teachers
Social learning does not happen automatically. Like other “subjects” it must be intentionally structured and supported by the teacher. By using strategies such as modeling, facilitation, cooperative learning activities, explicit teaching of social skills, and...
by Common Ground | May 13, 2026 | Better IEPs, May 2026
Social skills are not simply “nice to have.” They are essential skills that affect learning, behavior, employment, friendships, and community inclusion. Students who struggle socially may have difficulty working in groups, understanding social cues, managing emotions,...
by Common Ground | May 11, 2026 | May 2026, Watch This
Edutopia produced this short video sharing school-wide strategies and practices focused on social-emotional learning. Teachers notice a change in student behavior with they have the language to speak about and solve problems, and skills to manage uncomfortable...
by Common Ground | May 3, 2026 | Capitols, May 2026
On March 16th, 2026 a bill was introduced that would create a statewide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program within the New Jersey Department of Education aimed at supporting students in grades K–5. The bill establishes a structured, state-supported effort to...
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