A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG is a state-mandated, district level group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education services and programs.
New Jersey regulations require that:
“Each district board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.”
Q: What is the purpose and function of a SEPAG?
A: A SEPAG gives parents the opportunity to provide direct input to school district leaders about policies, programs, practices, and services that impact students with disabilities and their families.
An effective SEPAG can:
- increase the proactive involvement of families by inviting input that can be used to shape local special education policy;
- help improve educational outcomes and well-being for all students, including those with disabilities;
- help identify unmet needs;
- help shape the development of programs, services, and policies; and,
- improve district culture.
SEPAGs are not a replacement for local, independent parent-led support, information and advocacy groups.
Q: Who can be a member of a SEPAG?
A: Parents of students with a disability are the core members of a SEPAG. Other members may include: school leaders, including the district Supervisor of Special Services and/or members of the Board of Education; teachers, Child Study Team members, and other school professionals; students and former students; other parents committed to improving education in their district; community leaders and other citizens.
SEPAGs should ensure that all families are represented even if their children are in different schools; “out-of-district” does not mean “out of the community.” Many SEPAGs ensure that each school in the district is represented. In addition, it is vital that membership reflect the diversity of the local school community. No special training or background is needed to be a member of a SEPAG.
Q: How is a SEPAG membership structured?
A: The size and makeup of a SEPAG are not defined by the state. These decisions are up to each SEPAG. Leadership terms, membership terms, and other formal aspects of a SEPAG membership vary from district to district and are sometimes spelled out in bylaws that a SEPAG develops.
A SEPAG membership and process should be as inclusive as possible. There is a role for anyone interested in getting informed about special services and programs.
Q: What are the Benefits of an Effective SEPAG?
A: There are many benefits, including:
- Outreach – Outreach can engage families of students with disabilities so that they are involved in helping to shape local special education programs and policies.
- Positive relationships – Effective SEPAGs engage parents and school leaders to establish shared goals and priorities that benefit students with disabilities. They connect with teachers, Child Study Teams, and community resources as sources of support for helping improve programs and services.
- Collaborative problem solving – SEPAGs thrive on team spirit and team action. While members bring varied perspectives, everyone shares a common mission: to improve outcomes for all students receiving special education services and supports.
- Systems change based on input – A SEPAG can communicate the needs of parents whose children receive special education and related services, and can advise school leaders on unmet needs as identified through parental input.
- A trusted source of information – SEPAGs can strengthen the bridge between the school district and families. SEPAG members who educate themselves about school policies, and channels for communication can be an information source for parents who may need knowledge and resources from their school, and steer them in the appropriate direction.
- Information sharing- SEPAGs can provide opportunities for districts to share information with parents about improvements to programs, professional development related to special education and other issues.
- Improved services and programs – Changes that come about as a result of input from SEPAGs are often in response to the identified needs of the school community.
This Q&A was produced by SPAN, The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network. To learn more, go to http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/statewide-technical-assistance-and-resources-team-start
.