by Common Ground | Mar 27, 2026 | Current-Issue, Features, March 2026
Determining whether a student qualifies for special education—and, if so, designing an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP)—is a careful, data-driven process. At its best, the IEP process is not merely a compliance exercise but a structured way to...
by Common Ground | Mar 27, 2026 | Current-Issue, March 2026, Special Ed Basics
The least restrictive environment (LRE) is one of the core elements of a child’s IEP. It shapes where the child learns throughout the school day, how services and supports are delivered, and the kinds of relationships the child forms with peers and adults. More than a...
by Common Ground | Mar 26, 2026 | Better IEPs, Current-Issue, March 2026
The Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance—referred to by several acronyms including PLP, PLOP, or PLAAFP, is the foundation of a strong IEP. While goals and services often receive the most attention, the PLP is what anchors the entire...
by Common Ground | Feb 4, 2026 | 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 | Nov 16, 2025 | November 2025, Q&A
Q: My child with a disability may have been abused or neglected at school. What should I do first? A: If you suspect abuse or neglect (for example: physical injury, inappropriate restraint, neglect of care, etc.), you should immediately report the concern to the state...
by Common Ground | Aug 28, 2025 | Capitols, September 2025
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that requires New Jersey public schools to provide parents of students with disabilities with more information about a child’s annual special education program meeting ahead of time. Under the new law, schools must...
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 | Apr 5, 2024 | April 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, June 2023
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...
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