A SEPAC is primarily an advisory group. The members represent all parents of children receiving special education services in the district. The SEPAC can also participate as a planning and/or evaluation group with respect to the school district’s special education programs.
SEPACs add an important voice to the school district’s dialogue and decision-making in regard to special education. Parents have first-hand experience and a unique perspective. Working collaboratively, SEPACs can have a positive impact on matters that pertain to special education within their school district. Together with the school district, SEPACs can create a more inclusive school environment. Good communication within the system is key to developing a meaningful dialogue. SEPACs can work with:
- The Administrator of Special Education
- The Superintendent
- The School Committee
- Other School Officials
- School Councils, PTAs/PTOs, other Parent Groups and
- The Community at large.
SEPACs are an integral part of the broader school community. Informing members of the school community about the purpose, value, and function of SEPACs is critical to gaining support for SEPAC activities and for initiating and sustaining collaborative efforts. (From DESE SEPAC Guidance) A SEPAC will become better known and respected if it is “plugged into” the infrastructure of the school district. If the SEPAC wants to play a role in the district, the SEPAC officers and members should take the initiative to increase chances for SEPAC representation on school-wide matters. The SEPAC can help educate the community about what special education is (and is not); in addition to helping educate people about disabilities.
Massachusetts law state that the SEPAC should “advise the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities…:”. Building a relationship with the School Committee is very important. A representative from the SEPAC can attend School Committee meetings, follow their activities and report back to the SEPAC. A School Committee Member can also serve as a liaison to the SEPAC and attend their meetings.
Annual Reports/Presentations
DESE recommends that SEPACs develop procedures that result in at least an annual written status report to the School Committee. SEPAC can ask to make a presentation to the School Committee to talk about SEPAC activities and what issues have come up that need district attention.
Special Education Assessment Surveys
An assessment survey is one tool which will capture what is currently happening in the district, where the shortcomings are, and suggestions for improvement. Developing a survey is difficult as it is hard to draft neutral questions. A SEPAC can work with the special education department to develop a survey which will be fair and comprehensive. The goal is to get feedback on the system as a whole. SEPACs also need to know what the primary concerns are among families of students with disabilities, as it will shape their actions, programs, workshops and support efforts. SEPACs can use a variety of methods to conduct a parents’ needs assessment: online or paper surveys, focus groups or discussion roundtables. Information gathered by these methods can be used to fulfill the SEPAC’s advisory responsibility under the law.
Advise the Advisory Council Meeting
Some SEPACs hold a special meeting to discuss issues that could become part of the larger SEPAC advisory agenda. The goal is to improve special education in the district by identifying systemic issues. The purpose of the event is to learn from other parents/guardians about what is working and what needs improvement in the district. It is an opportunity for parent/guardian voices to be heard in an organized and productive way.
Additional Ways SEPAC Members Can Have a Voice in the Community
When considering getting involved in your community, remember:
- Parent voice is important
Provides real time feedback or concerns, diverse perspectives Humanizes issues and provide voice for youth Helps shape policy or procedures Develops public awareness
- Before joining or becoming a member, get information on participation
Time commitment, goals, mission, and possible risks Is special training or expertise required How long are the terms of participation
- What you can gain from being involved
Experience, knowledge and resources Increased network and contacts Input into process, influence positive outcomes Build connections within your community
PTA/PTO – Parent Teacher Associations or Organizations engage and empower families and communities to support schools and ensure a positive school experience for all children.
ELPAC – An English Learner Parent Advisory Council gives advice to school leaders on topics that are important to English learners.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL – Each public school shall have a school site council consisting of the principal, community members and shall include parents of students attending the school who are chosen by school elections. The Site Council shall assist in identifying the educational needs of the students, review the annual school budget and help form a school improvement plan.
TASK FORCE – Task forces are time-bound and outcome-focused groups that are convened to support an organization or district’s mission, strategic objectives or program activities.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE – The School Committee establishes educational goals and policies for the schools in the district, consistent with the requirements of the law and statewide goals and standards established by the Board of Education.
LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH – Local Boards of Health are required by state statue. Elected or appointed members are given the legal authority to set policies and make local regulations to protect public and environmental health. Boards of Health develop, implement and enforce health policies, may oversee inspections to maintain minimum standards for sanitation in housing and food service, and assure that the basic health needs of their community are being met.
MUNICIPAL COMMISSION ON DISABILITY – A Commission on Disability is defined by MA law to cause the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in a city or town, as well as advise municipal officials in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws that affect people with disabilities.
DDS CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARDS – The Citizen Advisory Boards advise area/regional directors on community needs and the quality of programs, contributing to positive change through legislative advocacy, community education and other activities.
DESE ADVISORY COUNCILS – These councils advise the Commissioner and MA Board of Education on matters relative to their area of focus pertaining to education in MA. Most councils, including the Special Education Advisory Council, meet 3-4 times per year and look for diverse membership.