by Common Ground | Jul 29, 2016 | Q&A, Uncategorized
by Elaine Mulligan A charter school is a public school and as such, is responsible for serving students with disabilities in keeping with state law. Q: What is a Charter School? A: Charter schools are public elementary and secondary schools, just as traditional...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Features
When it comes to standardized testing, New Jersey students consistently score in the top half of test-takers nationally. But quality curriculum and instruction matter little when a student is not in school. “Chronic absenteeism” is typically defined as missing 10...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Parents, Professionals, Teachers
Schools are required to accommodate frequent absences when caused by a disability or chronic illness. For such students, a “health plan” should be developed as part of an IEP or a 504 Plan. Often, services and supports can be delivered in an alternative setting, such...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Capitols
Congress approved a $1.1 trillion plan to boost spending for many government programs including special education and other disability programs. Funding for states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have increased by $415 million. Feds Boost...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Courts
A group of middle and high school students have filed a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit saying violence at home and in their neighborhoods has impaired their ability to learn at school. The case involves a group of California students and three teachers who allege...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Snapshot
In 2013, about ten percent of K-12 students in New Jersey were deemed “chronically absent,” missing more than 18 school days. Across the nation, an estimated 5 to 7.5 million students miss a month or more of school each year. In poor communities, truancy rates...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
Lawmakers in Washington have approved a $1.1 trillion plan that offers a boost in spending for federal government programs that affect children and adults with disabilities. Funding to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will increase...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Capitols
The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have issued guidance to states, school districts, and early childhood providers urging them to take action to include more children with disabilities into inclusive high-quality early childhood programs....
by Common Ground | Oct 6, 2015 | Capitols
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that states will no longer be allowed to administer tests to students with disabilities that are based on modified academic achievement standards. Previously, states were allowed to count up to 2 percent of all students...
by Common Ground | Oct 6, 2015 | Courts
A New Jersey Administrative Law Judge has ordered the parents of a Morris County student with disabilities to consent to evaluation. The case involves a 6th grader classified as “Other Health Impaired.” At the time of the child’s classification in the 3rd grade, the...
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