Call to Order, FB Live, Zoom etiquette
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.
VOTE Results
- At Large Member – Heather Walker (unopposed)
- Secretary – Vacant
- Vice Chair – Wendy Balda (unopposed)
- Chair/Co Chair – Supreet Anand/Stephanie Mummert (unopposed)
- Sub-committees - Email secacchair@gmail.com
- Outreach (Sheron Wood, Marcia Morales, Dianne Henry).
- Legislation (Lori)
- Reading (Stephanie)
Model Letters and TAB bulletins
Board of Education Introductions and Updates
- Budget work sessions - May day before memorial day
- Thanks to SECAC and Marcia for advocacy for the budget.
- Require reading screening 3 times per year, in compliance with R2R Act.
- Board asked Dr M to add disability and de-escalation training,
- Let Vicky know if there are any topics to be discussed at the BOE.
- 1st or 2nd meeting in June to discuss fall plans.
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
- Lori - Legislative updates
- HB714 - Learning Continuity Plan Requirement
- Put forth by the Arc Maryland.
- If there’s a emergency that prohibits the children from attending school, school system has to notify about a ICOLP within 10 days. ICOLP should be discussed at IEP meetings.
- Effective - Oct 1, 2021
- http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0714E.pdf w
- HB716 - IEE Bill
- Put forth by the Arc Maryland.
- Assessment requested in writing, the school system doesn’t respond within 30 days, the family can get that assessment at cost to LSS
- 60 days after request is received (90 days if state of emergency), if not assessment at cost to LSS.
- Effective - July 1, 2021
- http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0716T.pdf
- Policy Committees
- 6010 - Report June 10th meeting
- 9020 - May 19th was the public hearing. No word on board action.
- 5200 - Back to the drawing board. Head of transportation is retiring.
- 1-1 Advocacy and Support
Department of Special Education Introductions and Updates
- https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/behavior-talks/
- Compensatory/Recovery services
- Not unique to pandemic. More affected during COVID.
- Services were lacking due to unwillingness or inability.
- help.hcpss.org/special-education
- Parent Input Form
- Working with DEC Team to figure out evals for those students.
- Do not plan on supplanting comp services during the school day.
- Before/after/summer/weekend. All avenues will be explored.
- HCPSS staff/virtual staff/tutoring/camp, etc…
- For secondary student 4x4, how to determine comp/recovery services if the student only had a class for a semester.
- I was supplied this information by my son's teacher today, he will not be evaluated for comp services until the fall. When he is evaluated in the fall will returning fall data also be used for consideration?
- How will moving districts affect comp/recovery services?
- HCPSS DSE asked that of MSDE.
- Concern with both receiving and leaving students.
- Waiting for feedback from MSDE.
- What if families need an advocate/person to attend a meeting as a mediator?
- There are places that can help. Dr Savage will send us that information.
Next Meeting Dates
- June 16. Location subject to change, pending school closure.
- May use this meeting for DEC info. Invite Dr. Walker.
- Dr Walker will be at the next community partner meeting with the DSE and HCAS/SECAC.
Adjournment