by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Features
Last winter, President Obama signed into law The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The new law replaces No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which had been on the books since 2002. Like NCLB, ESSA reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Parents
By Joanne DeSimone He was 5 years old and autistic but reachable. He was delayed, but came to your kindergarten class counting, knowing his alphabet and writing his name. There were sensory issues that couldn’t be avoided in a large New York City classroom, and I...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
Governor Chris Christie has signed a bipartisan measure designed to help protect the rights of students with disabilities. A new Office of the Special Education Ombudsman in the Department of Education will function as a resource to provide confidential information...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
Responding to communications from parent, advocacy groups, and national disability organizations, The US Department of Education (USDOE) has issued a “Dear Colleague” letter on the unique educational needs of children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
Lawmakers in Washington have approved a $1.1 trillion plan that offers a boost in spending for federal government programs that affect children and adults with disabilities. Funding to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will increase...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have issued guidance to states, school districts, and early childhood providers urging them to take action to include more children with disabilities into inclusive high-quality early childhood programs....
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has found that 19 states, including New Jersey, met federal requirements under IDEA in the 2013-2014 school year. All other states were found to “need assistance” or “need intervention.” The Individuals with Disabilities...
by Common Ground | Oct 6, 2015 | Features
There are many things that can cause or prompt challenging behavior in a student with disabilities. Recognizing that behavior may be rooted in prior traumatic experience can help educators develop effective responses that not only reduce unwanted behavior, but also...
by Common Ground | Oct 6, 2015 | Professionals, Teachers
Children are very resilient — but they are not unbreakable. No matter their age, children are deeply hurt when they are physically, sexually, or emotionally abused. When children see and hear violence, their world feels unsafe and insecure. Exposure to violence can...
by Common Ground | Oct 6, 2015 | Capitols
The U.S. Department of Education has issued a “Dear Colleague” letter reminding schools that speech services for students on the autism spectrum should not be overlooked. In the letter to states, officials report that an increasing number of students with autism...
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