Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEAC)

  • What is SEAC?
    • Special Education Advisory Councils (SEAC) are parents working under MN law to advise and advocate for special education issues in education. 
    • Special Education began with parents advocating for their children in the 70s and brought laws that protect our children's right to education, regardless of any special needs.
    • One of the last things that most parents want to hear is that their child has a disability and requires special education services. You may begin to feel panicked, but know that you are not alone!
     
    Our Mission
    The mission of the Special Education Advisory Committee is to represent the interests of district learners from birth through the age of 21 with disabilities, by advising on current issues, program development, parental concerns and parental involvement, serving as an advocate for high quality special education programs and promoting communication and understanding between family, school and community, while actively seeking input from students and parents. The Special Education Advisory Committee will report to the Director of Special Education, Directors of Educational Programs, and the Superintendent's Advisory Council.

    The Special Education Advisory Committee will work together to sponsor one parent training per year.

    Our Goal
    The mission of the SWWC SEAC is to represent the interests of district learners with disabilities from birth through age 21 by advising on current issues, program development, parental concerns, and parental involvement; service as an advocate for high quality special education programs; and promoting communication and understanding between family, school, and community while actively seeking input from students and parents.
     
    Benefits of Membership
    • Parents & school personnel gain more accurate and positive views about each other's attitudes, intentions, and abilities.
    • More parents are equipped to act as advocates for and supporters of public schools and programs.
    • Parent input helps keep things real & relevant, resulting in more practical outcomes.
    • Members feel more invested in the school system.
    • Parents can advocate for system & program changes in ways staff can't.
    • The presence & active participation of parents helps keep the focus of discussions on children, which may lead to more family-centered practices.
    • Advice received & implemented by decision makers may lead to improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
     
    How Can I Help?
    • Attend a SEAC Meeting
    • Participate Online
    • Share Knowledge
    • Advocate for Special Education children

    Need more information? Want to attend a meeting?                                                                                                           Please Contact: Cassandra Gohman, Staff Development and Low Incidence Administrator, cassandra.gohman@swwc.org

SEAC Meeting Dates

  • Fall Meeting: September 26th, 2023 5:30pm-6:30pm
    Location: VIRTUAL/REMOTE through Microsoft Teams

     

    Winter Meeting: November 14th, 2023 5:30pm-6:30pm
    Location: VIRTUAL/REMOTE through Microsoft Teams

     
    Spring Parent Training:
    ABCs of the IEP for Parents of Transition Age Students (VIRTUAL)
    February 27, 2024
    6:00pm-7:25pm

Agendas & Minutes