Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

SEAC Annual Report Vivian Evett Chairperson

Purpose Advise SPS of needs in the education of children with disabilities; Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting identified needs; Submit periodic reports and recommendations regarding the education of children with disabilities; Assist SPS in interpreting plans to the community for meeting special needs of children with disabilities for educational services; Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services; Participate in the review of the SPS’s annual plan

Membership Majority of voting membership – parents of students with disabilities One teacher voting member Community service providers Consultants Director of Special Education Supervisors of Special Education Parent Resource Center Representative School Board Liaison Student Rep---TBD

Organization Governed by bylaws last revised December 2009 Subcommittees are assigned as needed to address goals of SEAC Purpose of Subcommittees include: Review policy manuals and proposed budget Advise the Special Education Department of technology needs Interpret the impact of SOLs on students with disabilities Monitor the transportation needs of students with disabilities Improve the communication between schools and parents

Organization (cont’d) Subcommittees include: Disability Awareness Transportation – Special Transition Disability Policies Technology Data/Assessments Nominations Local Special Education Annual Plan Review

Meetings SEAC meets six times a year Subcommittees meet as needed Open to the public Advertised in community publications KFMS at 6:30 p.m. Public Comment

SEAC Accomplishments for 2015 Disability Awareness Disability Awareness Subcommittee is tasked with: Raising public awareness Providing parents with an understanding of the functions of SEAC Conducting public disability awareness training Working with representatives from each school to provide awareness activities especially during Disability History and Awareness Month - October

Disability Awareness & Resources Fair SEAC cosponsored at Nansemond River High School. Resources to parents from school and community sources Committee members and volunteers operated simulation centers to include: Wheelchair Slalom/Reacher - Fine and Gross Motor Video Game Play w/Distorted Glasses -Visual Mirror Writing -Visual and Learning Impaired Reading Challenges - Visual, Learning, and Comprehension Puzzles w/Distorted Glasses - Visual/Spatial Breaking Codes Challenge - Learning Disability Myth Game - Disability Awareness

Disability Simulation Centers Wheelchair Slalom Mirror WritingReading, Comprehension, and Puzzles Video Game Challenge

Little Feet Meet SEAC cosponsored with Special Olympics of Virginia (SOVA) at King’s Fork High School SOVA provided all equipment and training Elementary students receiving self-contained services Students paired with typically developing peers Competed together to win awards in fun events Students leaders from KFHS ran entire event More than 200 students participated With approval, to be an annual event for all grade levels

Little Feet Events Opening Ceremony Awards CeremonyStudent Leaders from KFHS Track and Field Event

Technology Technology Subcommittee Monitors issues with current IEP software Recommended several improvements Recommended improvements to the Special Education web pages Discussed new print option, stressing parental input

Transition Transition Subcommittee: Monitors secondary transition services Suggested a public awareness campaign to stress importance of beginning preparations before age 14 Recommends improvements to orientation programs for students receiving special education services Recommends improvements for communication between parents and schools during transition into new schools

Data and Assessment Data and Assessment Subcommittee works with SPS’s testing and research department to: Review testing data, Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs) and their impact on the special education population Reviews graduation and/or exit data Discussed the relationship between SOL assessments and graduation Monitors accreditation issues

Communication Communication Subcommittee focuses on: Improving communication between schools and parents Recommended providing listings of resources and/or classes and skills needed in each grade level Stressed the need to provide resources and communication for families with limited or no access to internet Recommended the need for a Parent Resource Newsletter

SEAC Training SEAC leaders and the Director of Special Education attended training provided by: Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Our SEAC and SPS’s Special Education Department were commended for policies, procedures, and working relationship Gained new ideas on improving visibility Shared information with other local SEACs and will continue to mentor others in our region

SEAC Voting Membership: Vivian Evett (parent) – Chairperson Saul Godinez (parent) – Vice Chairperson Ann Dunn (parent) – Secretary Shameka Council (teacher) Felicia Hamilton (parent) Gleena Harper (parent) Rebecca Shaw (WTCSB) Mandy Terrill (parent)

Goals for Academic Performance Graduation Diploma Options Transition Services SOL Test and Alternate Assessments Transportation – Special Disability Awareness Disability Harassment Physical Restraint and Seclusion Special Education Budget Special Education Parent Resources Specific goals TBD SEAC will continue to focus on how the following impacts students with disabilities:

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)