SEPAC Steering Meeting Minutes
9/22/10
7:00PM
(Submitted by Leslie Doolittle, SEPAC Secretary, 10/6/10)
In addition to seven parents, Jim O’Shea attended to discuss Bromfield-specific concerns raised at the end of last year during the last Steering Group meeting. Questions and concerns included the following:
Post Secondary transitional planning: Jim stated that Bromfield doesn’t currently have a formalized “system” in place because there hasn’t been high need in the district for those outside of the college-prep track. Students with transitional planning needs outside of the typical college-preparatory track would work with Mary Beth Campbell, and if needed, these services would be outsourced. Jim will take this back to the Bromfield Team/Special Ed to discuss developing a formalized structure. Questions included what’s involved and are there legal issues of parity if services are outsourced?
Teacher Use of Ed-Line: Currently, the teacher use of EdLine is not mandatory. Parents are concerned because they are unaware of homework assignments/due dates. Given the nature and scope of some disabilities and special needs (such as disorders impacting executive function), should Edline use be mandated? Jim stated that the use of EdLine cannot be mandated, but more and more teachers are using it voluntary. One recommendation from the group was to make sure that communication needs be outlined specifically in the IEP, and while it is unlikely that EdLine use would be required, rate and type school/home communication re: homework, etc. can be implemented through the IEP.
Special Education Teaching Staff and General Education Teacher Communication: How are the general ed teachers kept up to date on accommodation changes? It’s a team approach and the team meets once in a seven day cycle through a consultation timeblock to discuss individual student needs/accommodation.
Special Ed Training for General Ed Teachers: Training sessions are offered throughout the year, but it is voluntary whether a teacher chooses to participate. Participation in professional development is high.
General Discussion:
Special Education Programming: A suggestion was made that the district consider offering a program for parents, kids, and teachers around the issue of when/how is it appropriate for parents to be involved in the day-to-day communication. This obviously varies by developmental stage and individual need.
Pre-School Program Communication: A request came in late last year from a few parents asking for earlier communication on the logistics, structure and design of the pre-school program.
SEPAC Monthly Meetings- suggested Topics: “Letting Go”, Sensory, Integration, Basic Rights (mandated by law once/year). Future meeting dates are October 21 and December 7. Pam DiGregorio’s availability will help determine specific scheduling, and whether the meetings will be Steering or Open/Member meetings.
SEPAC Donations: The group discussed where funds raised should be dedicated. The group decided to allocate the funds toward specific special education-focused professional development for teachers. Topics to be further explored with the Special Education staff and discussed at a future SEPAC meeting.
SEPAC Representation: Anyone interested in being the SEPAC representative on the Principal Search Committee and the School Council should contact the SEPAC Chairs for further information.
Next Meeting, October 21, 7:00PM, Bromfield Library.