Q&A: The Role of Students with Disabilities in the IEP Process
By Jason Krasnow Q: What does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) say about student involvement in the IEP process? A: The IDEA requires that students aged 14 and older be invited to attend their IEP meetings. Younger students do not need to be...
Student Perspective: Self Advocacy In Inclusive Settings
By Sebastian DeSimone One of my educational goals had always been to take general education classes so I would be better prepared for college. When I was a freshman in high school, I took a 3-D design art class. At first, the teacher seemed nice but she thought I...
From the Capitol: School Discipline
The Biden administration has issued new school discipline guidelines aimed at cutting back on high rates of suspension and expulsion for students with disabilities by clarifying rules that the nation’s schools are required to follow. The guidance is considered to be...
School Leader’s Perspective: Mental Health Takes a Front Row Seat in the Classroom
By Dr. Anthony Hadzimichalis, Ed.D. Mental health issues have taken a front row seat in the classroom. Following pandemic-related interruptions, students of all ages and backgrounds are experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, and grief....
School-Based Mental Health
Even before COVID-19, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that one in five people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and one in four Americans currently knows someone who has a mental health condition. There is a ripple...
Comprehensive School-based Mental Health Systems: Why Are They Important?
1. Learning is an intrinsically social and interactive process, and social, emotional and behavioral competence is essential for all kinds of learning. Students are most successful academically when they can manage their behavior and emotions. Positive mental health...
Student’s Perspective: How To Combat The Stigma Of Invisible Disabilities
By Sarah Jeanne Browne “You seem too smart to have a learning disability.” “You have to actually think in this class.” “I have trouble with math too.” “It’s not hard.” “You can do X so why can’t you do Y?”...School Mental Health Resources
Americas School Mental Health Report Card, February 2022 A group of 17 national mental health organizations has published a report that rates states on how well they are addressing this crisis through school-based mental health services. The report evaluates each...Few Schools Offering Compensatory Special Education Services
COVID-19-related school closures and instructional interruptions resulted in significant disruption of special education and related services to students with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued guidance regarding COVID-related compensatory...COVID and Transition to Adulthood
by Jessica Keogh, MEd The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be challenging for all, but for people with disabilities the struggles have been more intense. As an adult living and working with a physical disability, I can attest to the challenges posed by COVID. Because...Graduation in the Time of COVID
The end of the second COVID school year is near, and many parents are asking whether their school district has met the requirements of their child’s Individual Education Program (IEP). For students expected to graduate this year, these questions are particularly...NJCommonGround.org, and the Common Ground E-newsletter are projects of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities
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- The Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education
- What to Do if You Suspect Your Child has a Disability Impacting Their Education
- Initial Special Education Evaluations and Eligibility
- The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Special Education Placement
- Q&A: What are Extended School Year (ESY) Services?
- Q&A: Dispute Resolution