Executive committee invites TAO Institute to explain behavioral-health work groups and possible SAC involvement

Members of the Connecticut State Advisory Council for Special Education Executive Committee discussed outreach and possible collaboration with the TAO Institute and agreed to invite a TAO representative to the next executive meeting to explain the institute’s work groups and their relevance to the SAC.

Nut graf: The TAO Institute, described by committee members as having multiple work groups focused on children’s behavioral health — including school-based efforts — is studying overlaps among councils and agencies. SAC members asked for clarification on the institute’s structure and whether SAC members could participate in or be briefed by specific work groups.

The committee said the TAO Institute’s work includes an infrastructure work group and a school-based work group whose stated aim is to advance trauma-informed approaches and social, emotional and behavioral supports for students. Members asked for a clearer description of the institute’s constituency and the scope of its activities; Jennifer and Susan said they would invite TAO to the next executive meeting to answer questions about membership, work-group products, and potential SAC representation.

Members also noted past TAO involvement in juvenile-justice–related initiatives and said some current SAC members had limited familiarity with the institute. The committee suggested offering TAO’s work-group descriptions to full SAC membership and asking interested council members to represent the SAC in relevant groups.

Ending: The executive committee agreed to invite the TAO Institute to the next executive committee meeting to describe its work groups and discuss possible pathways for SAC participation or information-sharing.