1. New Prague Public Schools

2. MMembers Include: SStudents with a Disability PParents SSchool Board Members TTeachers (Regular and Special Education) AAdministrators DDirector of Individualized Student Services

3. The purpose of SEPAC is to empower families of children with disabilities and other special needs, to advise and recommend effective and responsible education services, to provide a vision for the future, to advocate for programs and system change, and to represent everyone's voice regarding students with disabilities.

4. CCo-Chairs = Parent and School Member 22 Year Service For All Members FFrequency = Minimum 4X Annually (2 Hours in Length) MMinutes Are Recorded & Displayed For Public Viewing GGoals Every School Year

5. “Minnesota legislators realized the value of parent involvement in school district decision and policy-making by requiring SEPACs… SEPACs can be an effective way for parents and school professionals to work together for the benefit of children with disabilities.” - Pacer (2007)

6.  Special education accounts for a large percent of the total district budget.  Special education provides a substantial amount of revenue for the school district.  Special education students attend and participate in all buildings within the district.  Legal obligation for all school districts.  Provides guidance of special education programming and opportunities to the school district.

7. DDistrict Pupil Count = 4,012 students DDistrict Special Education Pupil Count = 456 students 11.3% of Total District Population 13% is State Average in Minnesota (Dec. 1, 2007)

8. SSpecial Education Staff CCommunity Services PParents / Families RRegular Ed. Staff BBuilding Administration

9.  Early Childhood Special Education  3 Elementary Schools  1 Middle School  1 High School  1 Transition Program

10.  Early Childhood (Birth – 5 years old)  13 Disability Areas  Related Services  Outside Services  Community Services  Transition Services

11. PARENT INVOLVEMENT - Increase parent involvement to a level of minimum one parent from each school building. - Increase parent involvement as a whole.

12. DISABILITY AWARENESS - Increase disability awareness and literacy, as it relates to special education and disabilities through information and guest speakers.

13. TRANSITION - Improve and increase education on student transitions within the district.

14. - High School Transition Night - Annual S.E.P.A.C. Staff Appreciation Breakfast - Enhanced 911 forms - Adaptive Sports - Website improvement through collaboration * newly identified special education students * parent satisfaction survey

15.  Pacer Organization (www.pacer.org)www.pacer.org  ARC Greater Twin Cities (www.arc.org)www.arc.org  Minnesota Department of Education; Family Support (www.mntafs.org)www.mntafs.org  New Prague Area School District (www.np.k12.mn.us)www.np.k12.mn.us

16. MRVSEC Tour Thursday, Dec. 4 th or Thursday, Dec. 11 th Educational Forums : Guest Speakers in Disability or Service Areas. Autism Support Group: Amy Vandenberg – start up discussion