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Special Education Advisory Committee urges inclusive practices, district peer‑mentoring and policy attention
Summary
The Special Education Advisory Committee reported seven goals achieved or underway, including AI briefings, updated IEP guidance for drills, and a workgroup to establish peer mentoring; the committee asked the board to prioritize inclusive practices and consider policy updates for after‑school access.
Michael Whelan, chair of the WJCC Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), presented the committee's annual report to the school board, reviewing seven goals for the year and submitting recommendations for the coming year.
SEAC reported accomplishments that included: supporting the Special Education department’s "Exceptional Games" event; hearing a presentation on how artificial intelligence can support students with disabilities; and updating individualized education program (IEP) guidance to better support students with sensory needs during emergency drills after a briefing by Brian Weaver on drill procedures and staff training. The committee established a workgroup to design a student peer‑mentoring program, which SEAC said will continue into the next school year.
The committee’s recommendations to the board included maintaining a priority on inclusive practices, developing a robust districtwide peer‑mentoring program, and considering policy updates to make after‑school clubs and activities accessible to students with disabilities. SEAC also asked the board to consider its suggested updates to district grading policies when those discussions occur and requested continued support for disability‑awareness efforts during March and year‑round outreach.
Whelan thanked the special education staff and identified staff and student contributors by name in the written report. He concluded by offering to answer board questions.
