SPED
Pac Meeting Dates:
**For meeting topics, click here or scroll
down.
Meetings:
The SPED Pac hosts monthly meetings, which take place on the third Wed. of every month
during the school year. They are generally held at the Proctor School Library in
Topsfield and run from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The meetings are open to everyone.
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SPED Pac Chairperson: Kate Hochheiser
978-887-0314
Mission Statement:
The SPED Pac's mission is to provide information, support, advice, and assistance to
parents of children with disabilities, school staff, administrators, the school committee,
and the Tri-Town communities.
Our mission also includes:
-informing parents about their rights regarding special education
-disseminating information about programs and services in the school
system
-directing parents to advocacy and support services
-informing parents of special education legislation
Since 1986, the Massachusetts state regulations, which delineate the Mass Special
Education law, have mandated community input and involvement in school district special
education programs through Sped Pacs. In 2001, the Mass State law changed to align
itself more closely with the Federation Individual Disability Education Act of 1997 (IDEA
'97). The state regulations were re-written to make Sped Pacs establish by-laws
concerning its officers and procedures. (603CMR28.07(4)
The Tri-Town Spec Pac was formed approximately 10 years ago. At that time,
it was agreed by the representatives from each of the three towns to act as one Sped Pac
unit since all three towns were served by the same Superintendent, Special Education
Administrator and administrative staff. Each of the towns is represented by a Sped
Pac Chairperson. The chairpersons make up the Executive Board of the Pac. The
exact configuration and operation of the Sped Pac are outlined in our by-laws, a copy of
which can be obtained by contacting your town's chairperson. The Sped Pac has
operated as a unified group since that time.
Active membership in the Sped Pac helps parents receive valuable information and advice
from other parents. The Sped Pac provides an opportunity for parents to share
information, resources, receive support and be proactive in the advocacy of their child.
Past Meeting
Topics and Speakers from 2003-04:
-
The Federation's "Basic Rights" Workshop - Learn about state and federal
special education laws and regulations and how they relate to you and your
child
- Kurzweil 3000 -
A hands-on workshop on this speech software program that is currently being used the
Tri-Town Schools
- Dr. Ilda Carreiro
King, a reading specialist, will present "Understanding Reading Development and
Current Research". Dr. King is a consultant to many school districts on
designing and teaching reading programs.
- The Federation's
"IEP" Workshop. This workshop covers all aspects of the IEP form and
process.
- Neil Green,
Esq. of the U.S. Office of Civil Rights will present a workshop on "Section
504 Plans". Learn about the law and about 504 plans.
- Final meeting of the year. End of year discussion and planning for
next year.
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