About SEPACs

 

  • SEPAC, which stands for Special Education Parent Advisory Council, is a state-mandated, parent-run voluntary organization. Our duties under state law include "advising the District on matters that pertain to the education and safety of children with disabilities and meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development and evaluation of the school district's special education programs." (Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71B, Section 3)

    Simply put: SEPACs provide input into school leaders about policies, programs, practices and services that have an impact on students with disabilities, their families, and the broader community. SEPACs take a systems approach, vs. advocating through the lens of individual advocacy. Input could include:

    • Making recommendations

    • Providing context & background

    • Helping evaluate and inform options

    • Aggregating and compiling parent/community questions and feedback points to address trends

    As a group, we strive to provide regular forums for meaningful dialogue between families and the District. We hope to unite parents and maintain a supportive network for all. We encourage any interested individuals to join SEPAC and participate in any of our sponsored activities!

  • Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities (i.e., eligible student) or related services necessary to access the general curriculum and must include the programs and services set forth in Massachusetts and federal special education law.

    The services and supports one child receives may be very different from what another child receives. Special education is designed to provide eligible students the instruction and related services that they require in order to make effective progress in the general education program.

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the Federal law that defines and regulates special education. The law requires public schools to provide special education services to children ages 3 to 21 who meet certain criteria. (Children younger than 3 can receive help through IDEA's Early Intervention Services).

    Students determined eligible for special education services must meet all three of the following criteria:

    1. The student has a documented disability that is covered under IDEA (or MA State Law)

    2. The Student is not making effective progress

    3. The Student requires specially designed instruction, or related services in order to make effective progress