Our ‘23-’24 Strategic Initiatives

Compliance

• Work with families so that they understand what to expect should a compliance issue arise.  

• Monitor BPS compliance with Systemic Improvement Plan (SIP) and reported milestones. 

• Monitor Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) Problem Resolution System (PRS) rulings.

• Monitor Office of Civil Rights (OCR) complaints.

• Expand 504 compliance to adhere to IEP compliance standards.

Inclusion

• Define “Inclusion” for BPS Families: Free Appropriate Public Education(FAPE) & Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). 

• Elevate updates around expanding inclusion and co-teaching model in inclusion classrooms.

• Focus on equity in programming between schools.

• Advocate for inclusive architecture in the Green New Deal.

• Advocate for increased inclusive summer programming.

Member Support & Engagement

• Amplify parent voices in a public setting via monthly SPEDPAC meetings.

• Empower families in pursuit of justice for students with disabilities.

• Timely responses to family outreach.

• Identify and elevate systemic challenges in BPS Special Education.

• Hold SPEDPAC General Monthly Meetings and community events for members.

Transparency

• Make public Special Education strands & seat capacity in every school regardless of availability.

• Monitor whether 504 Plan & Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations, goals & service delivery obligations are met in real time and in aggregate.

• Document process for Special Education seat placements (enrollment, transfers and wait lists).

• Expand service availability & accommodation best practices.

Roles and Responsibilities of SpEdPAC

• Advise the BPS on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities;

• Meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school District’s special education programs;

• Advocate for the appropriate supports and special education services necessary to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities;

• Hold monthly SpEdPAC meetings to discuss important updates from BPS Office of Special Education and Student Services;

• Educate parents and caregivers through training and workshops on special education matters and issues.

• Monitor compliance with Federal and State Special Education laws. 

• Present concerns about Special Education programming to
  district officials.

• Promote communication, collaboration and cooperation between
  families of students with disabilities and the Boston Public Schools.

• Ensure communications and processes are culturally responsive, with translation and interpreters leveraged in all meetings.

Boston Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council (BPS SpEdPAC) By-Laws