State Advisory Panel on Special Education for the District of Columbia

Total public members:                15           

Method of Appointment:          Appointed by Mayor      

Length of Appointment:           2 years

Residency:                                Strong preference for DC residents from all 8 wards

Paid board:                               No (all roles are voluntary)

Description:  The Advisory Panel shall serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), in its capacity as the State Education Agency (SEA) on matters pertaining to the education of children and youth with disabilities served by public and private agencies of the District of Columbia.

SAPSE Background
 
The District of Columbia's State Advisory Panel on Special Education (SAPSE) is a commission required by the  Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT (IDEA) - which requires that each State operate a statewide advisory panel. In accordance with the law, the District of Columbia has a State Advisory Panel (SAP) on Special Education. 

The purpose of SAP is to advice Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) and its Division of Specialized Education (DSE) on unmet needs of students with disabilities, including the development of evaluations, reports, and corrective action plans in response to federal monitoring, and implementing policies and procedures to coordinate services for students with disabilities. SAPSE enables OSSE in seeking meaningful input from parents, community partners, service providers, and school administrators on local issues relative to the provision of services and supports to students with IEPs and disabilities.
 
What we need now:

There are six (6) openings for individuals and/or parents of children and youth living with disabilities to join the board.  A majority of the members shall be individuals with disabilities, or parents of children and youth with disabilities.  

Qualifications:  The Advisory Panel must be appointed by the Mayor. All members must reflect the representation identified in IDEA 34 C.F.R. §300.168 and to the degree possible shall be representative of the population of the District.  The Advisory Panel shall consist of at least fifteen (15) voting members who are appointed by the Mayor.  The members appointed to the Committee shall have demonstrated interests in issues affecting special education, or the coordination and delivery of special education and related services to children and youth with disabilities (ages birth through 26). 

If you're interested in being considered, please take a moment and complete this application.  Someone will get back to you to discuss your interest and further explain the process.  We look forward to speaking with you.

Team MOTA