SEPAG

What is SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advocacy Group)?

A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG (sea-pag), is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven, and often parent-led group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services.

Who can be a member?

Who can be a member of a SEPAG? Parents are the core members of a SEPAG. This includes parents of children with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who are educated in schools within or outside of the student’s home district. Parents do not need special training or background knowledge to be a member 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; and community leaders and other citizens

What are the benefits?

What are the benefits of an effective SEPAG? 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 for students and their families. 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 support. System 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 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 of communication can be a source for parents who may need information, support, and resources from their school, and can steer them in the appropriate direction. Information sharing – SEPAGs can provide an opportunity for districts to share information with all parents about instructional programs, professional development opportunities, and other matters related to special education. Improved services and programs – Changes that come about as a result of input from SEPAGs are responsive to the identified needs of the school community. Effective resource allocation - Parents can provide valuable input regarding allocating resources and establishing priorities.