You can help children achieve their potential in school!
Tara was in middle school when her family joined New Ground. As one of four siblings, she focused on academics as a way to a better life. New Ground advocated for Tara and her brothers and sisters to stay in their original school district with their friends and teachers.
“Although we were most fortunate to receive various forms of assistance, the educational piece was the most valuable of them all. The concept of not belonging to a school district and not being able to continue my education in the environment that I was accustomed to was an overwhelming ordeal. I was afraid that I would lose my education and feared what would happen. Once the matter was resolved with New Ground’s help I became more determined than ever to succeed and do the very best.”
Tara graduated from high school with honors, earned a full college scholarship, and has since graduated with her Bachelor Degree and is now working in her chosen career field of accounting.
“I am truly grateful to New Ground. I hope to someday be able to return the favor, although I don’t believe it will be anything close to what they have done for me.”
Education Advocacy Service Program
New Ground provides professional education advocacy services for students of all ages to ensure they have the resources and tools necessary for their overall academic success. Adult students as well as children and young adults access these services which include:
- Provide guidance and advocacy to all families in accordance with the McKinney-Vento federal law.
- Guidance and advocacy during various school meetings: Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, Annual Review Meetings, School hearings and more.
- Formal requests for and the facilitation of testing or assessments, and screening for special education needs.
- Review of documentation, determination of and advocacy for placements in the correct educational settings with all key resources in place.
- Facilitate testing, special accommodations and other resources through the schools and by outside professionals when needed for students of all ages.
- Tracking correspondence and timelines to ensure all legal requirements are being met by the schools.
- Empowerment and encouragement for parents to identify and assume this work for the future.