by Common Ground | May 14, 2026 | May 2026, Teachers
Social learning does not happen automatically. Like other “subjects” it must be intentionally structured and supported by the teacher. By using strategies such as modeling, facilitation, cooperative learning activities, explicit teaching of social skills, and...
by Common Ground | Sep 26, 2025 | October 2025, Teachers
When teachers include financial literacy in the classroom, they open doors to greater independence, stronger problem-solving skills, and more opportunities for students to succeed in adulthood. Learning how to manage money helps students build independence and...
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 | Oct 3, 2024 | October 2024, Teachers
Students with disabilities may lack the skills to tell you what they need, but knowing that all behavior is communication reminds parents and schools to figure out what they are trying to tell us. Your students may be trying to communicate something bigger when they:...
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 | Apr 5, 2024 | April 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 | 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...
by Common Ground | Apr 20, 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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