What is a Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (SECAC)?

Baltimore County Public Schools
Special Education Citizens’
Advisory Committee
(SECAC)
P.J. Shafer
Co-Chairperson
[email protected]
Elisa Hartman
Vice-Chairperson
[email protected]
Dawn Baier
Secretary
[email protected]
Location:
6901 N. Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204
Building E (formerly ESS)
Room 114
7-9 p.m.
All meeting are open to the public.
New members welcome!
Meeting Schedule
2013
September 9
October 14
November 11
December 9
2014
January 13
February 10
March 10
April 7
May 12
June 3
For updates on meeting topics,
join the BCPS SECAC listserv:
BaltoCo-SECAC@
yahoogroups.com
What is a Special Education Citizens’
Advisory Committee (SECAC)?
A Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (SECAC) is a committee
established by the local school system to seek meaningful input from
parents, community partners, service providers, educators and administrators
on local issues relative to the provision of a free appropriate public
education (FAPE) and the achievement of students with disabilities. To
work most effectively, a SECAC operates as a partnership between parents
and families, community leaders and organizations, educators and
administrators at the local level. A local SECAC enables a local director of
special education to collaborate with others on local issues and it has the
potential to facilitate positive changes in the delivery of special education
services and the achievement of students with disabilities.
What is the purpose of a SECAC?
One purpose is to provide a local director of special education with
meaningful input as to the needs of students with disabilities within the local
jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction may have specific procedures, reports, or
practices for which a local director may wish to solicit input from parents,
administrators, and teachers.
Baltimore County’s SECAC
We usually meet on the second Monday of each month from September
through June (unless otherwise noted). All meetings are open to the public
and we encourage anyone with an interest in improving education outcomes
for students with disabilities to attend. Each month a different topic is
featured. Members ask questions and give suggestions to the Executive
Director of Special Education & Student Support Services and her staff.
How do I join?
You can attend any or all meetings. To be a voting member you must attend
four meetings in a calendar year. You should join our listserv at: [email protected] to stay informed of our meeting schedule,
upcoming events, and resources.
Mission Statement:
Since 1978, the Baltimore County Special Education Citizens’ Advisory
Committee has provided a forum for issues pertaining to children with
disabilities. Our members advocate at the county, state and federal level to
make recommendations and assist Baltimore County Public Schools about
issues including the education budget, inclusion, assessments, support
services and other issues concerning children and special education services.