by Common Ground | Sep 2, 2026 | August/September 2026, Current-Issue, Features
Special education is built around the understanding that students with disabilities require individualized supports to access education and make meaningful progress. Teachers, special educators, related-service providers, administrators, and families all contribute to...
by Common Ground | Sep 2, 2026 | August/September 2026, Better IEPs, Current-Issue
The IEP is central to special education. It identifies a student’s educational needs and establishes measurable goals, services, accommodations, and supports. School social workers can contribute an important perspective to this process by connecting educational...
by Common Ground | Aug 28, 2026 | August/September 2026, Current-Issue, Teachers
As a teacher, it can be easy to think of the school social worker as the person who steps in when a student is having a crisis, a family needs support, or a behavior has become difficult to manage. Those are certainly important parts of the job, but they represent...
by Common Ground | Aug 23, 2026 | August/September 2026, Capitols, Current-Issue
New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would significantly expand the presence of school social workers in public schools. Senate Bill S2835 (A3362), sponsored primarily by Senator Angela V. McKnight, and in the Assembly by Assemblymembers Sterley S....
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Features, July 2026
Special education aims to provide students with disabilities the skills and supports necessary to participate as independently and successfully as possible in school, work, and community settings. While classroom instruction is essential for developing academic and...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | Better IEPs, July 2026
A strong Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than a document that identifies services and supports—it is a roadmap designed to help students develop skills that lead to meaningful participation in school, community, employment, and adult life. While...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | July 2026, Parents, Uncategorized
Parents can play a significant role in reinforcing and extending Community-Based Instruction (CBI) beyond the school setting. Because CBI focuses on applying skills in natural environments, families are uniquely positioned to provide additional opportunities for...
by Common Ground | Jul 7, 2026 | July 2026, Q&A
Q: How does CBI help prepare my child for a job? A: CBI provides opportunities to practice workplace-related skills in real settings. Students can learn punctuality, following directions, communicating with supervisors, problem-solving, teamwork, and appropriate...
by Common Ground | May 15, 2026 | Features, May 2026
Social learning plays a crucial role in supporting students by promoting inclusion, communication, and skill development. Through interaction with peers, students gain opportunities to observe and model appropriate social behaviors, improving their ability to form...
by Common Ground | May 13, 2026 | Better IEPs, May 2026
Social skills are not simply “nice to have.” They are essential skills that affect learning, behavior, employment, friendships, and community inclusion. Students who struggle socially may have difficulty working in groups, understanding social cues, managing emotions,...
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