by Common Ground | Feb 26, 2017 | Capitols
A bipartisan measure (S-1474) addressing teacher training that was introduced in February 2016 has been signed into law in New Jersey. The bill requires teacher preparation programs for instructional certificates to include instruction or clinical experience in...
by Common Ground | Dec 12, 2016 | Capitols
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new regulations significantly expanding who is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The regulations took effect in October. Last summer, the DOJ published final rules clarifying that those with a...
by Common Ground | Dec 12, 2016 | Capitols
The U.S. Department of Education has earmarked $7 million to help recruit and train teachers and administrators serving children with disabilities. The funding will go to seven states, including New Jersey, to enhance preparation and professional development focused...
by Common Ground | Dec 12, 2016 | Capitols
In a five page letter to governors and state education officials the U.S. Secretary of Education has called on schools to stop using physical punishment to address behavior issues. Calling school-sponsored corporal punishment an “ineffective” and...
by Common Ground | Oct 25, 2016 | Capitols
The United States Department of Education (DOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a “Dear Colleague” letter reminding school districts of their obligations to students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under Section 504 of the...
by Common Ground | Sep 4, 2016 | Capitols
Legislation to establish a Response to Intervention initiative (RTI) within the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has been signed by Governor Christie. The bipartisan measure (S-496 and A-2566) was co-sponsored by a long list of education leaders and...
by Common Ground | Sep 4, 2016 | Capitols
A bi-partisan measure introduced by leaders in the Senate and Assembly would require the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to train teachers and administrators, and monitor districts on bias and discrimination in special education classification. If passed...
by Common Ground | Sep 4, 2016 | Capitols
In August, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) released a “Dear Colleague” letter to school districts indicating concern over data that show students with disabilities are disciplined far more often than their peers without disabilities. The...
by Common Ground | Jul 29, 2016 | Capitols
This summer, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation to allocate resources to help children with disabilities who are at risk of elopement and wandering. S-2614, Kevin and Avonte’s Law, is named in honor nine-year old Kevin Willis and 14-year old Avonte...
by Common Ground | Jul 29, 2016 | Capitols
A bill making its way through the New Jersey Legislature would establish requirements for the use of restraint and seclusion for students with disabilities. This spring, the bill (Senate Bill 1163) cleared the New Jersey Senate and has been referred to the Assembly...
by Common Ground | Jul 29, 2016 | Capitols
As of July 1, 2016, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is accepting requests for mediation and due process through an OSEP email. They will also continue to accept requests for mediation and due process via fax and traditional mail. To file by fax: (609)...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Capitols
Early in 2016, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation that requires the Attorney General to establish a Missing Vulnerable Persons (MVP) Emergency Alert System for missing children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The system...
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