| Parent,
family and community involvement has long been recognized as an important
factor in improving student outcomes. School divisions need broad
based participation and input in order to evaluate the services and
programs they offer and to stay informed of the needs and expectations
of those they serve.
Local school divisions are required by the Code of Virginia
(8VAC 20-80-90) to form local Special Education Advisory Committees
(SEACs) made up of parent and community volunteers appointed by
local School Boards.
The primary purpose of the local SEACs is to:
- identify unmet needs relating to the education of students with
disabilities within a local school division;
- advise the local school division of these needs; and
- assist the local school division in developing priorities, plans
and strategies for meeting these needs.
Local SEACs play an important role in identifying the unmet needs
of students with disabilities, advising school divisions about those
needs, and making recommendations about how those needs can be met.
Well-formed SEACs have members who represent a broad range of community
stakeholder groups and provide school division personnel and School
Board members with valuable input. A smoothly running SEAC helps
parents and the school division improve student services and outcomes.
Through careful consideration and clear, consistent communication
local SEACs are able to bring about positive change in services
and outcomes for students with disabilities.
This website is designed to support local SEAC members and school
division administrators in Virginia by providing practical suggestions
and sample tools for organizing and carrying out this work. |
