Howard County SECAC

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secacchair@gmail.com

Howard County SECAC

Howard County SECACHoward County SECACHoward County SECAC
  • Home
  • SECAC Meetings
  • News and Advocacy
  • Resources for Families
  • SECAC Board
  • Sub-Committees

January 20, 2021 Meeting Notes

ORDER OF BUSINESS

  • Call to Order ~7:05pm
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Purpose and Vision 
    • The Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. We collaborate with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County, MD.
  • Special Presentation: "Courageous Conversations: Asking Questions at Your Child's IEP Meeting"  (slides available at the bottom of the page)
    • Camille Cranson
      • SECAC Board Member at Large and TCOE Vice Chair
      • Special education for 17 years.
      • Asst Principal in another district.
      • Parent of a child with a disability
  • Questions from the group
    • Example for Program Modifications - Key with modification is reduction in rigor.  For example, learning that the Bill of Rights are a part of the Constitution vs learning all 10 amendments.
      • Program Modifications happen for students that are not on a diploma track.
    • What proof do you need to show new needs?
      • Data collection, doctor’s notes, anecdotes, class/homework.
    • Key - Question the data in the virtual setting.
    • How comfortable is the student/family with the technology.
      • MAP data could be used for present levels
    • Parents must sign consent for modifications every year?
      • Yes.  If the student is not pursuing a HS diploma, you must sign consent every year.
    • Incorrect placement? How to start that conversation?
      • Ask - What is being offered at the regional program that cannot be offered at the home school?
      • IEP should have specific language about what services she needs and why it can only be in the regional program.
    • Don’t be afraid to let the team know if supports are not working for your student.
  • Announcements:
    • Wrightslaw books. “Special Education Law” and “From Emotions to Advocacy” are available for parents. Choose 1 book and email us to reserve your copy. 
    • As always, keep an eye on our website as we update it when we receive new information! View News and Advocacy https://howardcountysecac.com/news-and-advocacy 
    • SECAC Board
      • New state legislation related to education/virtual
      • SB0209 - Extension of Education Services to age 22 for students with disabilities due to extended school closures
      • SB0300 - Learning Continuity Plan, part of IEP planning to consider supports if schools are closed more than 10 days.
      • SB0371 - parent can request independent eval at school expense if LSS cannot on do it on time.  (no response in 30 days, no eval in 60).
      • HB0237/SB0575 - Dyslexia Handbook Bill - best practices, etc..  
    • Policy Committees
      • Policy 6010, Attendance Areas - Stephanie M.
      • Finally completed and sent to cabinet.
      • 12 meetings.
      • Large changes to policy and implementation procedures.
      • Presented to BOE March 11th, Public Hearing April 15th, Board Action May 11th
      • Weighted factors, more community input (before, during, after)
      • Timeline extended, reports on the whys and possible solutions presented first.
      • Principals will provide more direct communication to affected families.
      • Policy 9020, Student Rights and Responsibilities - Beth S.
      • One meeting left.
      • Policy 5200, Transportation - Dianne H.
      • Awaiting final draft.
    • 1-1 Advocacy 
      • SECAC secacchair@gmail.com
      • HCPSS Family Support and Resource Center FSRC@hcpss.org
    • The Parents Place of Maryland www.ppmd.org/contact 
  • Board of Education Introductions and Updates
    • Vicky Cutroneo, 
      • Budget presentation is tomorrow.  Beginning of the evening session.
      • Legislation seems focused on summer and learning loss.
    • Reading update on 2/8.  Report on dyslexia metrics and impact of the Ready to Ready Act.
  • Department of Special Education Introductions and Updates
    • https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/behavior-talks/
    • Janice Yetter (Director of Special Ed), Emily Kinsler (Director of Countywide Services), Trish Gunshore (Director Non public, compliance, parent engagement)
      • Should be receiving invitations  for ESY eligibility meetings soon.
      • The hope is for ESY in person as health metrics allow.
      • Virtual option for ESY for families that are not comfortable with in person?  Yes, there will be.
      • Case mgr will ask about in person at ESY eligibility meeting.
    • Parent webinar soon and they will be recorded.  Executive functioning, progress monitoring, creative IEP team meetings.
    • Doing Spanish speaking sessions for families on 1/31 
    • Progress reports will be sent by 2/12.  
    • Contact FSRC@hcpss.org if you are not receiving the weekly newsletter.
    • Planning to restart small group and learning centers soon.
      • Cedar Lane and Homewood
      • Hopefully in Feb as health metrics allow.
      • No earlier than Feb 8th at this time.
  • Next Meeting Dates
    • The next meeting will be our annual advocate night.  Watch your email for sign up information.
    • February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16. Location subject to change, pending school closure. 
  • Adjournment ~8:30pm

Downloads

Files from the meeting.

Courageous Conversations (pptx)

Download

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