by Common Ground | Mar 27, 2026 | 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 | 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, 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 | 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 | Nov 16, 2025 | Capitols, November 2025
Since 1972, the Department of Education (DOE) has collected data that has been used by researchers, educators, and policymakers to draw conclusions and develop policies that influence American education. Local school administrators would use the data to track...
by Common Ground | Jun 18, 2025 | June-July 2025, Professionals
Occupational therapy (OT) is an important part of special education that helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in everyday tasks, both at school and at home. These tasks, or “occupations,” include things like writing, using scissors,...
by Common Ground | Jan 17, 2025 | January 2025 Special Policy Edition, Parents
Project 2025 is a plan being considered by the Trump administration. It has the potential to change how laws and services work for people with disabilities, including special education. If this plan is put into action, some important protections, such as access to...
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 | 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...
by Common Ground | Aug 24, 2023 | August 2023, Capitols
Proposed changes to federal rules around Medicaid billing could make it easier for schools to pay for certain special education services. Currently, schools can bill Medicaid for health-related services in a student’s IEP, such as speech, occupational and...
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