Advisory Commission on Special Education Members
- David Toston, Chair
Victoria Graf, Vice Chair - Elizabeth Estes
Dawn Hamilton - Betty Lieu
April Lopez - Russell Michaud
Sarah Notch
Christine Oyakawa
Gloria Ruiz
Heather Snipes
Barbara Sorter
Jeannine Topalian - Matthew Wilkins
Student Members
- Rachael Ding
- Saran Tugsjargal
Legislative Members
- Honorable Marie Alvarado-Gil, Senate
Honorable James Gallagher, Assembly
State Board of Education
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, Liaison
State Special Schools
Nancy Hlibok Amann, Director, State Special Schools and Services Division
California Department of Education
Executive Secretary
Rachel Heenan, Director, Special Education Division
California Department of Education
Agenda times are approximate and are provided for convenience only. Items may be re-ordered to be heard on any day of the noticed meeting or on a subsequent agenda. The order of business may be changed without notice. Every effort will be made to webcast this meeting in its entirety, but some portions may not be webcast due to logistical constraints.
Reasonable Accommodation for Any Individual With a Disability
Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a meeting or function of the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), may request assistance by contacting the Special Education Division (SED), 1430 N Street, Suite 2401, Sacramento, CA, 95814; telephone, 916-445-4602; fax, 916-327-3706.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
| Meeting Schedule | Meeting Location |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 14, 2024 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education |
| Thursday, August 15, 2024 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education 1430 N Street, Room 1101 Sacramento, California 916-445-4602 |
Advisory Commission on Special Education Meeting Logistics
Members of the public may view the meeting by live webcast, which will subsequently be archived on the ACSE Meeting Webcasts web page.
The August 14‒15, 2024, ACSE meeting will be held at the California Department of Education (CDE), at the address noted above. The CDE building will be open to the public, however capacity may be limited to allow for physical distancing and members of the public are strongly encouraged to wear masks. The meeting will be held in person on August 14th and virtually on August 15th. Members of the public can still attend the meeting in person on the 15th and view the meeting.
Public Comment Guidelines
Public comment may be via email, phone, or in-person, as specified below.
The public is highly encouraged to submit written comments to the ACSE members in advance for prior consideration. To ensure the Commissioners have time to review comments, please submit comments by noon on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Comments received after that time will not be forwarded to Commission members until the day of the meeting. Comments should be submitted to the ACSE mailbox at ACSE@cde.ca.gov. The following information should be included in the body of the email: (1) commenter’s first and last name, (2) organization affiliation, (3) agenda item number or general public comment.
Phone
Public comment may also be provided by dialing the phone number and participant access code that will be provided on August 14–15, 2024, and then following the operator’s prompts. Upon dialing in, callers will be added to a caller queue. The operator will notify callers when it is their turn to provide public comment. Public comment will be limited to one minute for each agenda item unless otherwise specified by the ACSE. Members of the public wishing to dial in for public comment should view the live stream of the meeting. The number and access code will be provided at the start of public comment for each item.
Prior to making a public comment, speakers who are watching the meeting via live webcast should make sure the volume on their computer is muted to avoid echoing or feedback during the call.
Please use the phone number and access code provided below:
- Phone number: 717-908-1937
- Participant Access Code: 4679071#
In-Person
Public comment may also be provided in-person at the ACSE meeting. However, capacity may be limited to allow for physical distancing and members of the public are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Individuals who wish to comment on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment must sign up on the public comment roster prior to public comment. Public comment will be limited to one minute for each agenda item unless otherwise specified by the ACSE.
Agenda Item Materials
Agenda item materials, including presentation materials, are available by sending a request for copies to ACSE@cde.ca.gov.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 10 a.m. Pacific Time ±
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California
Begin Meeting
10 to 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time ±
- Call to Order: Roll Call
- Salute to the American Flag
- Review of Agenda: Day One
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
Item 1
10:15 to 11 a.m.
Redwood Supported Education to Elevate Diversity (SEED) Scholar Program: College Is Possible! The UC Davis Redwood Supported Education to Elevate Diversity (SEED) Scholars Program - the Co-Director and two Redwood SEED Scholars share what is possible when it comes to inclusive college. They will share stories, data and compelling outcomes. By the end, we hope everyone will work to build more four-year, residential, inclusive college programs around the state of California and build the pathway of inclusion K-12 so that all students will be ready to apply and participate in such a life-changing opportunity. Presenter: Beth Foraker, Co-Director, UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars Program, Katelyn Reed, Redwood SEED Scholar Junior, Kirra Troeger, Redwood SEED Scholar Junior. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 2
11 to 11:45 a.m.
Nonpublic Schools Study Update: Nonpublic Schools (NPS) and agencies enhance the ability of local educational agencies to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptional needs and provide a continuum of placements and services. In 2023, CDE contracted with WestEd, as authorized by the legislature, to conduct an examination of nonpublic school placements and the use of nonpublic agencies including patterns in nonpublic school placement within California compared to other states, the placement process, and the education certification, monitoring and oversight activities for nonpublic schools and agencies at both the state and local levels. WestEd will provide an update on the study and solicit reactions from commissioners to some initial conclusions and potential recommendations. A final report on the study will be published by September 30, 2024. Presenter: Sara Doutre, Senior Project Director, WestEd. (Item type: Information, Discussion)
Lunch
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Item 3
1 to 1:05 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Item 4
1:05 to 1:50 p.m.
Community Schools: The California Community School Partnership Program (CCSPP) is a bold initiative passed by legislators to assist the re-imagining of public education in the State of California. This presentation will cover the statewide systems of support, elements of the Community Schools Strategy, and the power of the Whole Child Framework. How the CCSPP supports students with learning differences will be addressed throughout the presentation. Presenter: Michael Essien, Executive Director, Community Schools and Partnerships, State, Transformational Assistance Center (S-TAC). (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 5
1:50 to 2:35 p.m.
Dual Enrollment in California: The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of dual enrollment in California and how students with disabilities are being served. The presentation will highlight how the state is following key recommendations that include an inclusive vision, explicit program designs and supportive guidance to ensure equitable access and success for all students. Presenter: Diane Crum, Education Programs Consultant (CDE), High School Innovations and Initiatives. (Item type: Information, Discussion)
Break
2:35 to 2:50 p.m.
Item 6
2:50 to 3:35 p.m.
Inclusive Access to a Diploma: Reimagining Proficiency for Students with Disabilities: The goal of this presentation is to inform key California constituents on the purpose, strategy, materials, and feedback gathering structures for the Inclusive Access to a Diploma: Reimagining Proficiency for Students with Disabilities initiative. Participants will leave the presentation with a series of "asks" related to their reviewing initiative materials and providing questions and suggestions regarding ways to improve the utility of these materials for California constituents. Presenter: Zach Smith, Senior Project Director with WestEd: Special Education Policy and Practice Division (Item type: Information, Discussion)
Item 7
3:35 to 3:45 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Adjournment
3:45 to 4 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting, day one.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Thursday, August 15, 2024, 9 a.m. Pacific Time ±
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California
Begin Meeting
9 to 9:15 a.m. Pacific Time ±
- Call to Order: Roll Call
- Salute to the American Flag
- Review of Agenda: Day Two
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
Item 8
9:15 to 10 a.m.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Template Update: The panel will present the recommended statewide IEP template created by the IEP Expert Panel including the process over the last two years and final recommendations. Presenters: Mindy Fattig, Senior Advisor, Statewide System of Support, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and Lead Facilitator of IEP Expert Panel, Heather DiFede, Executive Director, East County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and High Quality IEP Special Education Resource Co-Lead, Kristin Wright, Executive Director, Equity, Diversity, Early Intervention and Support Services, Sacramento County Office of Education, Kristin Uliasz, Secondary Resource and Inclusion Specialist, Instructional Coach, Davinci Charter Academy, Danielle Walker, Senior Director of Specialized Services, Bonita Unified School District (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 9
10 to 10:45 a.m.
ACSE Recognition Award Planning: Commissioners will discuss 2024–25 recognition award process. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Break
10:45 to 11 a.m.
Item 10
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Commissioners, State Board of Education, and Director of State Special Schools Liaison Reports: An update from Commissioner Liaisons, State Board of Education (SBE) Liaison, and Director of State Special Schools (SSS) Liaison will be provided. Presenters: Commissioners (ACSE), Alison Yoshimoto-Towery (SBE), Nancy Hlibok Amann (SSS). (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 11
11:25 to 11:45 a.m.
Special Education Director’s Report: An update on activities within the Special Education Division will be provided. Presenter: Shiyloh Duncan-Becerril, Associate Director of Special Education, (CDE). (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Lunch Break
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Item 12
1 to 1:05 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Item 13
1:05 to 1:50 p.m.
Committee Study Sessions (Operational and Planning Committee/Legislative and Policy Committee/Parent Voice): Presenter: Commissioners. In accordance with ACSE bylaws, Operations and Planning, Policy and Legislation committees will meet. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 14
1:50 to 2:30 p.m.
Committee Reports and Agenda Building: Commissioners will suggest potential items for future ACSE meetings. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 15
2:30 to 2:45 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Adjournment
2:45 to 2:50 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting