1. Stellar Collaborations Connecticut State Department of Education and Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center George DowalibyNancy Prescott George.Dowaliby@ct.govnprescott@cpacinc.org OSEP Project Directors’ Conference July 31, 2006

2. In the beginning…the stars were aligned timing…’97 regs how could SDE collaborate with PTI to help inform parents of changes opportunity…change in leadership at SDE, prior history with another PTI climate…OSEP/PTI leadership shared vision to encourage collaboration

3. Opportunities of galactic proportion SDE contract to compliment PTI work with underserved families Designated SDE staff liaison with PTI Named contractor in Settlement Agreement State Improvement Grant contracts Focused Monitoring Child Find

4. Star Wars Let the force be with you…where does the PTI fit in? PJ settlement agreement work SDE Parent Work Group PTI role clarification

5. Universal Design All means all… Include the PTI into the big picture of all SDE parent involvement program and policy initiatives Develop a plan, not a laundry list of activities Establish LEA relationships Use data to improve outcomes for children and families