by Common Ground | Apr 5, 2024 | Courts
A U.S. District Court has upheld the ruling of a New Jersey Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that transportation to and from the corner bus stop, rather than to and from the child’s front door, did not result in denial of a free appropriate public education and did not...
by Common Ground | Jun 20, 2023 | Better IEPs, Features, Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
A person-centered plan can help those involved with the focus person see the total person, recognize his or her desires and interests, and discover completely new ways of thinking about the future of the person.” — Beth Mount & Kay Zwernik, 1988 All too...
by Common Ground | Apr 20, 2023 | Parents, Professionals, Special Ed Basics, Teachers, Uncategorized
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 | Jun 18, 2021 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
By Elizabeth Athos, Esq. Education Law Center When a parent disagrees with a change to their child’s educational classification, program or placement that has been proposed by the school district, they can stop this change from going into effect – and preserve...
by Common Ground | Feb 3, 2020 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
By Denver Leigh When we talk about IEPs (Individualized Education Plans), often the goals, objectives, accommodations and modifications get all the attention. True, those four components form critical parts of an IEP; however, in my experience as both a parent and...
by Common Ground | Aug 12, 2019 | Q&A
By Melissa Powers, Esq. The do’s and don’t’s of school observations are tricky; it is an area of law that is underdeveloped and incredibly fact sensitive. As you read the Q&A, keep in mind that schools often err on the side of being too restrictive and protective,...
by Common Ground | Aug 12, 2019 | Better IEPs
Consider this Scenario: A child with autism attends school in a mainstream classroom. Although she is progressing academically, her teacher isn’t sure how to handle situations that make her upset, such as when she doesn’t understand an assignment or during unexpected...
by Common Ground | Nov 28, 2018 | Better IEPs
Recent research points to one of the most effective ways to overcome adverse childhood experiences and promote more positive outcomes – relationships. These can be with typical peers, mentors, or kind and caring adults. They can provide safe and supportive learning...
by Common Ground | Feb 26, 2017 | Q&A
By Deborah Lynam and Jillian Matysik Child Study Team (CST) members are often asked about dyslexia in schools by parents and educators. Until the recent dyslexia legislation in New Jersey, dyslexia was not traditionally discussed in schools. This was often a cause of...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Capitols
A fact sheet produced by a group of New Jersey special education attorneys and advocates outlines a problem affecting students with disabilities who are placed in New Jersey’s state approved private schools for students with disabilities. In June 2015 the New Jersey...
.