by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Features, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, states that “Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually, thereafter, the IEP must include...
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Parents, Q&A
By Ira M. Fingles, Esq. Q: What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? A: Independent educational evaluations are one of a parents’ most powerful rights in the special education system. Under Federal special education law, an IEE is defined as “an evaluation...
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
By Katie Curran, MAPP It’s that time of year – IEP season! Whether you are a parent of a child who needs an Individualized Education Program or a special educator tasked with writing the plan, you are likely preparing for upcoming meetings. These meetings aim to set...
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Watch This
Wondering how psychologists test kids for dyslexia and other kinds of learning and attention issues? In this video from Understood, viewers get to see what kinds of questions kids get asked, when being tested for reading issues. Watch as Dr. Matthew Cruger, Ph.D....
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Parents
By Bob Cunningham, Ed.M. Was your child recently evaluated — either by the school, a private clinic or independent evaluator? It’s important to share the report with your child’s teacher (if the evaluator or your lawyer, if you have one, doesn’t object). Here are...
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Capitols
Trenton lawmakers have introduced a bill (A-4692) that would change the way in which state aid to local public schools for special education is calculated. The state currently provides special education aid to school districts, using a census-based method. In this...
by Common Ground | May 6, 2019 | Capitols
Under a measure introduced in the New Jersey Legislature (A-381), parents, grandparents, and guardians of a child attending school or childcare would be allowed to take up to 40 hours a year off from work, in order to participate in school-related activities. The...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Capitols
The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) releases its new position statement supporting the rights of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The statement reads, in part: People with intellectual and/or...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Capitols
Last fall, Michigan educator Laurie VanderPloeg was appointed to lead the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. She brings nearly 40 years of experience to the position, including many...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Q&A
Q: What is Supported Decision-Making? Supported decision-making (SDM) allows individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people. Individuals with disabilities choose people they know and trust to be part of a support...
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