Austin Public School’s Special Education Advisory Council is seeking new members.
The SEAC mission is to advocate for high quality educational programs for all learners and assure that the school board, district administration and community members are informed of special education successes, issues and concerns. We strive to increase the involvement and add the informed perspective of parents and families of children with disabilities in the making and implementation of district policies.
The Special Education Advisory Council is mandated by Minnesota to ensure that parents have the opportunity to be involved. Fifty percent of our members must be parents of children with disabilities in addition to membership representing all non-public schools within the district. Please consider becoming a member of our local Special Education Advisory Council. Districts can strive to become more effective in the delivery of special education services when parents share their unique experiences and perspectives.
Parents benefit from an effective SEAC in the following ways:
• Gaining knowledge about district programs and services may benefit their own or another family’s child.
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• Contributing to others may give added value and meaning to their own personal experience.
• Witnessing positive change as a result of their input and influence is rewarding and motivating.
• Learning new skills may transfer to other areas of advocacy and leadership.
• Gaining information helps form a big-picture perspective.
• Participating can create opportunities to network and build relationships with other families with similar life experiences.
• Particpating can develop positive and helpful relationships with school staff.
Your voice is important to Austin Public Schools and the children who receive special services. For more information on your opportunity to participate and be heard, please contact Danielle Theis, director of special services, at 460-1916. Working together will create better opportunities and outcomes for our kids.
