Increasing the dialogue among stakeholders in New Jersey’s special education system
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The Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education

special education basics badgeCommon 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 processes, and legal remedies parents and students may encounter, and to which they are entitled.

Feature Articles & Resources

Feature articles • In-depth consideration of current special education topics and practices. • Experienced and authoritative writers. • Resources for parents, teachers, and professionals. • Fostering dialogue among special education stakeholders.

From the Courts & Capitols

Covering legal and legislative developments that shape special education in New Jersey and nationally. • Specific cases from administrative, state and federal courts. • Legislative and administrative policy developments at state and federal levels.

Information Parents & Educators Can Use

By and for parents, teachers and professionals. • Teaching and assessment strategies for specific learning and behavioral challenges • Peer-to-peer advice and experience sharing • Q&As and FAQs for use on the front line • Statistics and data for trend identification.

Latest CG Articles

Reading Disabilities and Behavior Connection: Insights and Understanding

Reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, pose significant challenges for students. They not only affect a student’s academic progress, but frequently also impact their behavior in the classroom.

Accessing Preschool Special Education

One part of IDEA—Section 619—funds services for preschoolers. Every state, including New Jersey, offers special education to eligible preschoolers ages 3 through 5 at no cost to parents.

BETTER IEPS: High Expectations and Outcomes for Preschoolers

The State of New Jersey has very clear expectations for preschoolers with disabilities. In fact, Indicator 7 in our state’s performance plan measures the percent of preschool children aged 3 through 5 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who demonstrate improvement in three key areas: social-emotional skills; early academics, including language and communication; and behavior.

FROM THE CAPITOL: “Renewed Urgency” for Preschool Inclusion

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. They’re calling for more young children with disabilities to be included in high-quality early childhood education programs.

FROM THE CAPITOL: School Safety Planning for Students with Disabilities

In January, Governor Murphy signed legislation, P.L. 2023, c. 212 (A1174/S2057) concerning emergency planning for students with disabilities in school settings. The law provides guidance regarding planning for students who need accommodations, modifications or supports in order to participate in safety drills and emergency protocols at school; it requires a written plan when needed, staff training, and participation on the part of local first responders.

FROM THE CAPITOL: USDOE Warns Schools Not To Overlook Assistive Technology In IEPs

U.S. Department of Education is pushing schools to ensure that all students with disabilities have the assistive technology and supports they need. It has issued a “Dear Colleague” letter and a 24-page “myths and facts” document in January aimed at clarifying schools’ responsibilities

FROM THE CAPITOL: Governor Murphy Announces Nomination of Kevin Dehmer as Education Commissioner

Kevin Dehmer was sworn in in mid-February to serve as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), succeeding Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan.