November 1, 2007 1

Exploring the Role of a PAC

By the AB SpEd PAC

November 1, 2007 2

AB SpEd PAC By-Laws Purpose:

Improve communication among parents/ guardians, staff, administrators (both within and outside the district), and the School Committee on special education issues.

Serve as a resource and support network for parents/guardians of children with special needs regarding procedures, educational and non-educational issues.

November 1, 2007 3

AB SpEd PAC By-Laws Purpose: (continued)

Provide input, develop policy, and advise the Acton and Boxborough Schools on special education issues, e.g., planning, development, and evaluation of programs.

Serve as advocates for equal educational opportunities for all special needs children.

November 1, 2007 4

Mass General Laws Chapter 71b Section 3:

“The school committee of any city, town, or school district shall establish a parent advisory council on special education. Membership shall be offered to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the school committee on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities; meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning,

November 1, 2007 5

Mass General Laws Chapter 71b Section 3: (continued)

development, and evaluation of the school committee’s special education programs. The parent advisory council shall establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures. In the course of its duties under this section, the parent advisory council shall receive assistance from the school committee without charge, upon reasonable notice, and subject to the availability of staff and resources.”

November 1, 2007 6

School Committee Policy Under Governance & Operations there is no school

committee policy related to PACs However, there is a school committee policy related

to School Councils to address the equivalent regular education organization

In the Instructional Program section, File: IHB titled, “Programs for Students with Special Education Needs” there is one sentence that references the parent-school relationship, “The Acton and Acton-Boxborough Regional School Districts will work with parents in designing and providing programs and services to children with special needs.”

November 1, 2007 7

2007-2008 CPR ProceduresAppendix 1, Section 32:

Coordinated Program Review Documentation Requirements: “School Committee agendas and minutes pertaining to consultation with the PAC”

November 1, 2007 8

2005 District CPR Findings Section 32: Parent Advisory Council for Special Ed.

“The district does not offer membership in the PAC to all parents/guardians of students with disabilities in an ongoing manner; according to district documentation, membership was last offered during the 2003-2004 school year. The district has encountered difficulty in securing the active participation of its parents/guardians in the current joint Acton-Boxborough/Acton/ Boxborough PAC...”

November 1, 2007 9

Where We Are Today Parents, School Committee members and Special

Education Administrators all want to help our kids achieve success

To work together effectively we need trust, respect, openness, inclusiveness, transparency, and good communication

Input needs to result in meaningful dialogue Parent feedback needs to be incorporated into district

policy, practice and programs, as appropriate – otherwise results in parent alienation/disenfranchise-ment which leads to negative consequences for all

November 1, 2007 10

Where We’d Like to Go TogetherOpen Dialogue on Role of the AB SpEd PAC

Initiate meaningful dialogue on the role of the AB SpEd PAC and its relationship to the district

Establish timeline for creating new school committee policy on the SpEd PAC

Work together to finalize new school committee policy which codifies the organization’s role and relationship to the district

November 1, 2007 11

What We’d Like to Do TogetherDistribute Two Newsletters in Joint Monthly Mailing

Would allow PAC to reach target audience, coordinate with one organization & meet one publication schedule

Would allow PAC to invite families to join on an ongoing basis

Would minimize mailing costs by sharing existing, planned district mailing

Would demonstrate district partnership with parents/PAC