by Common Ground | Mar 27, 2026 | Features, March 2026
Determining whether a student qualifies for special education—and, if so, designing an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP)—is a careful, data-driven process. At its best, the IEP process is not merely a compliance exercise but a structured way to...
by Common Ground | Mar 27, 2026 | March 2026, Special Ed Basics
The least restrictive environment (LRE) is one of the core elements of a child’s IEP. It shapes where the child learns throughout the school day, how services and supports are delivered, and the kinds of relationships the child forms with peers and adults. More than a...
by Common Ground | Mar 26, 2026 | Better IEPs, March 2026
The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance—referred to by several acronyms including PLP, PLOP, or PLAAFP, is the foundation of a strong IEP. While goals and services often receive the most attention, the PLP is what anchors the entire...
by Common Ground | Mar 26, 2026 | March 2026, Q&A
Q: What is the most important decision made during an IEP meeting? A: The student’s placement. Placement determines where a student will receive services and spend their school day. It must never be based on what is easiest for adults or what programs already exist....
by Common Ground | Mar 26, 2026 | March 2026, Snapshot
As of October 2024, New Jersey reported 242,001 students with IEPs, or 17.35% of students. 6.98% of New Jersey students with disabilities were parentally placed in private schools in 2024, compared with 1.71% nationwide in the 2022–23 school year. In New Jersey in...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Features, February 2026
Special education helps millions of students with disabilities learn, grow, and succeed in school. For these students, services like speech therapy, classroom supports, and individualized instruction are not extras—they are what make learning possible. Federal law...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | February 2026, Professionals
School-based specialists—including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and school counselors—play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities. Through daily interactions with students, these professionals witness...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | February 2026, Q&A
Q: What services should the school pay for? A: Schools must pay for services listed in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This can include special instruction, speech or occupational therapy, transportation, classroom supports, and assistive...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Courts, February 2026
A federal judge has overturned a state administrative order that forced a Gloucester County school district to cover the costs of independent evaluations obtained by the parent of a former student with a disability. The decision marks a significant development in a...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | February 2026, Watch This
In this podcast-style episode of The Opportunity Gap, Assistant Principal Julian Saavedra discusses how federal funding supports kids with disabilities, and the gaps in support. Explore the video description for additional resources provided by...
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