by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Current-Issue, Features, February 2026
Special education helps millions of students with disabilities learn, grow, and succeed in school. For these students, services like speech therapy, classroom supports, and individualized instruction are not extras—they are what make learning possible. Federal law...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Current-Issue, February 2026, Q&A
Q: What services should the school pay for? A: Schools must pay for services listed in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This can include special instruction, speech or occupational therapy, transportation, classroom supports, and assistive...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Courts, Current-Issue, February 2026
A federal judge has overturned a state administrative order that forced a Gloucester County school district to cover the costs of independent evaluations obtained by the parent of a former student with a disability. The decision marks a significant development in a...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | Current-Issue, February 2026, Watch This
In this podcast-style episode of The Opportunity Gap, Assistant Principal Julian Saavedra discusses how federal funding supports kids with disabilities, and the gaps in support. Explore the video description for additional resources provided by...
by Common Ground | Jun 24, 2025 | Features, June-July 2025, Special Ed Basics
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. One important part of IDEA is its requirement for related services. These services are designed to help...
by Common Ground | Feb 13, 2025 | Courts, February 2025
Paraprofessionals are vital members of many special education teams, providing direct support to students with disabilities. These educational aides assist with a variety of tasks, including helping students complete assignments, supporting behavior management, and...
by Common Ground | Jun 12, 2024 | Capitols, June 2024
A U.S. District Court judge has approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit between the New Jersey Department of Education and 5,000 families of New Jersey students receiving special education services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states...
by Common Ground | Apr 5, 2024 | April 2024, Features
By David B. Rubin and Ellen S. Bass As a school board member, you know your job is not to run the schools but to see that they are well run. To do so, you perform critical oversight functions like selecting the superintendent, formulating district policies, and...
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 | Capitols, February 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education say 55% of preschoolers with disabilities receive special education services in classrooms separate from their peers. In a joint policy statement, they called for more young children with...
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