by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Current-Issue, 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 | Jun 18, 2025 | June-July 2025, Professionals
Occupational therapy (OT) is an important part of special education that helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in everyday tasks, both at school and at home. These tasks, or “occupations,” include things like writing, using scissors,...
by Common Ground | Jun 16, 2025 | June-July 2025, Professionals, Teachers
Speech therapy plays a vital role in supporting students with disabilities in special education. Many students with disabilities, such as those with autism, language disorders, or speech delays, may need extra help to develop their communication skills. Speech therapy...
by Common Ground | Feb 13, 2025 | February 2025, Professionals
While paraprofessionals in the special education classroom can offer much-needed support, there are potential drawbacks to over-relying on them. The role of the paraprofessional is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the teacher, and it is important to...
by Common Ground | Sep 27, 2024 | Capitols, Parents, Professionals, September 2024, 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 | Parents, Professionals, September 2024, 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 | Feb 22, 2024 | Features, February 2024, 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, February 2024, 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 | November 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 | November 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, November 2023, 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 | Apr 22, 2023 | April 2023, Parents, Professionals, Special Ed Basics, Teachers
Common Ground is committed to informing families and guardians about parental rights and special education advocacy. In this and upcoming editions we will share a series of basic and important special education topics on the rights, responsibilities, administrative...
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