ABOUT THE COMMITTEE

The WCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) is part of a statewide network of advisory committees that are required by state and federal law.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each State operate a statewide advisory panel. In accordance with the law, Maryland has a Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC). The mission of the SESAC is to advise and assist the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services in administering, promoting, planning, coordinating and improving the delivery of special education and related services to assure that all children with disabilities, three through 21 years of age, and their families have access to appropriate education and related services.

The Maryland State Department of Education supports the development of local advisory committees in each local school system. Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee enables a local director of special education to seek meaningful input from parents, community partners, service providers, and school administrators on local issues relative to the provision of a free appropriate public education and the achievement of students with disabilities.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL SECAC?

The WCPS SECAC provides the opportunity for parents, educators, community leaders and community resource agencies to work together to provide meaningful input and to optimize the efficiency of special education. The WCPS SECAC aligns its mission to promote the WCPS Aspirational Goals, with the recognition that students with special needs will aspire to reach each of the following goals in accordance to their unique individual educational programs and abilities.:

THE GOALS:

1. All students will read at or above grade level by 3rd grade and continue to read at or above grade level thereafter.

2. All students will meet grade-level and course-specific curriculum standards each year and complete an established educational and/or career pathway by graduation.

3. All students will be provided quality instruction using appropriate technology.

4. All students will be healthy, informed and productive citizens.

WHY JOIN SECAC?

• You will have the opportunity to improve the education of children with disabilities.

• You will have the opportunity to have input into local and state policy-making decisions.

• You will have the opportunity to network with other parents, professionals and service providers.

• You will have the opportunity to enhance and strengthen existing partnerships between parents, families, community leaders and educators.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: secac@wcps.k12.md.us