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SECAC
(Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee)


SECAC Regulations Local SECAC Information
What is a SECAC
Best Practices from a Local SECAC
Useful Websites
Bylaws [Template]
Documentation
State Special Education Advisory Committee


Useful Websites

MSDE 2004 Maryland Report Card

MSDE Student Census Data [Special Education]
December 1, 2000
December 1, 2001
Decmber 1, 2002
October 31, 2003

Nonpublic School Enrollments (as reported by MSDE)
September 30, 2003

Nonpublic School Enrollment by School and Grade (as reported by MSDE)
September 30, 2002
September 20, 2003

MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletins

COMAR [Code of Maryland Agency Regulations]




State Special Education Advisory Committee

SESAC Minutes, April 15, 2004




Documentation

Placement Determination of School Age Students with Disabilities, 6-21 years old, in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

SECAC BYLAWS – Template

Extended School Year Services

Cross-Reference of Federal Statutes and Regulations with Maryland Regulations

Placement Determination of Preschool Students with Disabilities, 3-5 years old, in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

MSDE Proposed SECAC Regulations

Procedural Safeguards Parental Rights

SECAC ~ Best Practices

Opportunity for Public Comment on COMAR Amendments




What is a SECAC?

MSDE Technical Assistance Bulletin #11




Best Practices from a successful
SECAC

Baltimore County Board of Education
Citizen's Advisory Committee for Special Education

Teresa LaMaster, Chair
Jasmine Shriver, Vice-Chair
  1. Parent vs. Educator: Each side has a different perspective of "accountability"
    • It's important to recognize perspective from the "other side"
    • Agree to be allies, not adversaries

  2. If you don't have a SECAC, attend a Board of Education meeting and formally request - in writing and during public comment period, that they form such group.
    • Board Policy
    • State Policy
    • Federal Policy

  3. Form a Citizen-led, Citizen-driven SECAC
    • Parent/Citizen Leadership or Co-Leadership
    • Parent/Citizen Voting Rights
    • Parent/Citizen Agenda with input from School System
    • School System Personnel participate in meetings/No Voting Privileges
    • School System Personnel provide some administrative support

  4. Pursue twin goals with equal vigor
    • Getting the school system more resources
    • Changing policies and practices to improve quality

  5. Do your homework
    • Get the Facts/Backup with Data
    • Tell one simple compelling story supported by numbers and data
    • Tell the same story again and again in various ways to many individuals

  6. Report your accomplishments

  7. Don't forget to say "thank you"
Adapted from Pathways To Partnership Leadership Forum Presentation: November 28, 2001
Last Updated: 15 September 2005


Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Link