by Common Ground | Jun 13, 2018 | Capitols
Students with disabilities continue to struggle to make progress in math and reading, according to a new report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics. Known as the ‘Nation’s Report Card,’ nearly 585,000 students at over 28,000 schools across the...
by Common Ground | Jun 13, 2018 | Features
“Most schools are not fully prepared to support students with autism, sensory disabilities, medical and mobility disabilities, and other unique challenges in emergency situations.” In an age of increased emphasis on school safety and security, evacuation...
by Common Ground | Jan 22, 2018 | Capitols
On his final days in office, NJ Governor Chris Christie signed into law a measure that establishes requirements for use of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities in special education. The bipartisan bill, which was passed unanimously in both houses of...
by Common Ground | May 2, 2017 | Snapshot
More than 5 million school children – 22% of students ages 12-18 – reported being bullied at school during the school year. 6% of students reported that they were pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on. A higher percentage of females than of males ages 12–18...
by Common Ground | Dec 12, 2016 | Students
by Jeremy Einbinder Because cerebral palsy is neurological, my brain is my body and my body is my brain. The physical impairments associated with cerebral palsy may be my most obvious issue, but it’s impossible to completely separate my physical issues from my social...
by Common Ground | May 14, 2015 | Features
An 8-year-old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome is suspended from his elementary school after getting frustrated in class and balling his fist around his pencil, an action that the school called “aggressive.” A 10-year-old boy with emotional and behavioral...
by Common Ground | May 14, 2015 | Q&A
If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you may know the feeling of dread that comes when your child’s school calls during the school day, asking you to pick up your child because they cannot deal with today’s behaviors. Parents often feel they must...
by Common Ground | Aug 11, 2014 | Capitols
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has signed into law a bipartisan measure (S-2079) designed to ensure that students with disabilities are able to participate in athletics, and are provided with reasonable accommodations or modifications, based on their individual...
by Common Ground | Apr 22, 2014 | Snapshot
Seventy percent of children in the juvenile justice system have educational disabilities — the vast majority have emotional disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disabilities. Children with emotional disabilities fail more courses, earn lower grade point...
by Common Ground | Nov 4, 2013 | Courts
The board of education of a North Jersey school district has agreed to pay a student with severe disabilities $30,000 to settle allegations that it deliberately caused her to miss middle school graduation in 2012. The case involves an 8th grade girl who has severe...