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.
