by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Current-Issue, Parents
BEFORE IT HAPPENS: Parents can take proactive steps to help prevent the use of restraint or seclusion on their child in schools. Here are some effective strategies: Educate Yourself and Your Child – Learn about your child’s specific disabilities, triggers, and...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Capitols, Current-Issue, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
While restraint continues to occur in New Jersey schools, the state has made progress in addressing the issue of seclusion and restraint. In 2020, the state enacted a law requiring the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to collect data on incidents of...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Current-Issue, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
In New Jersey, several organizations provide resources, training, and support to help reduce the use of seclusion and restraint for students with disabilities. Here are some key organizations: New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE) – Provides...
by Common Ground | Apr 5, 2024 | Better IEPs, Features, Parents, Teachers
By Maria Torres, M.A., LDT-C Reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, pose significant challenges for students. They not only affect a student’s academic progress, but frequently also impact their behavior in the classroom. Understanding the relationship between...
by Common Ground | Feb 22, 2024 | Features, Parents, Professionals
IDEA, the nation’s special education law, is designed with one goal in mind: to ensure that children with disabilities receive an appropriate education to address their needs. The law covers children from birth through age 21. One part of IDEA—Section 619—funds...
by Common Ground | Feb 22, 2024 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals
The State of New Jersey has very clear expectations for preschoolers with disabilities. In fact, Indicator 7 in our state’s performance plan measures the percent of preschool children aged 3 through 5 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who demonstrate...
by Common Ground | Nov 29, 2023 | Parents, Professionals, Teachers
What Parents and Educators Need to Know About Reading Assessment Assessing students for reading disabilities is a crucial step in ensuring they receive appropriate support and intervention. Early and accurate assessment can provide valuable insights into a student’s...
by Common Ground | Nov 29, 2023 | Parents, Professionals, Q&A, Teachers
Q: What is Decoding? A: Reading decoding is a fundamental skill in the process of reading. It refers to the ability to translate written words into spoken language. When readers decode, they use their knowledge of letter-sound relationships to recognize and pronounce...
by Common Ground | Nov 29, 2023 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) drive services and supports for students with reading disabilities. Students must learn to decode words, recognize vocabulary, and understand what they have read. Before setting IEP goals, it is vital to assess the student in...
by Common Ground | Aug 24, 2023 | Features, Parents
Parent advocacy happens in many ways, from chatting with a teacher about a child’s needs and progress, to getting involved in systems change. In many states, Special Education Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) are working to ensure that the unique needs of students with...
by Common Ground | Aug 24, 2023 | Parents, Q&A, Special Ed Basics
By Jason Krasnow Q: What role do parents have in the referral process? A: A parent’s role in special education starts with the referral process. School personnel, state agencies, or parents themselves can refer a child for evaluation if they suspect that the...
by Common Ground | Aug 24, 2023 | Parents
The Board of Education in each of New Jersey’s 613 local school districts sets policy and governance and helps with long-term planning and goal setting. Running for a seat on the school board is a smart way to bring your leadership and perspective to a larger...
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