|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
About SPEAC
The Special Education Advisory Council (SPEAC) to the Upper Dublin School District is a non-profit parent organization. We seek to ensure that the needs of special education and gifted students are continuously identified and effectively addressed and that these students are given the opportunity to participate fully in the general education classroom. We provide education, information, support and resources to parents, teachers, school administration, and the community to increase awareness of the needs of these students. The organization was formed three years ago by parents who wanted to become involved in the education of their children. Two years ago, at the request of these parents, the school district initiated an independent consultant review of special education programs. In 2007, a review of support for gifted students was also conducted. The findings of these reviews have led SPEAC and the school district in many new directions and have led to an ongoing, positive dialogue between SPEAC and school administrators. With this dialogue comes a blueprint for change in education for Upper Dublin students. We have several committees that target more specific topics. These committees change based on the needs of the students. Currently, SPEAC has the following active committees. They are chaired by the parent following the name of the committee:
Our Autism and Gifted committees are especially active. The Autism committee holds 3-4 meetings a year on topics of interest to parents of children on the autism spectrum. One meeting is an informal social get-together, usually held at the end of the school year. Both the gifted and autism committees maintain separate e-mail lists to forward interested parents more specific information and resources. Our general e-mail list can be found at SPEACofUD@yahoogroups.com. Anyone wishing to subscribe should send an e-mail to SPEACofUD-subscribe@yahoogroups.com With grants and donations, SPEAC created a library of educational resources, including books, DVDs, tapes and other materials. The library, called TAPELS (Teacher and Parent Educational Lending System), is stored at the Maple Glen Elementary School. Currently, SPEAC is registered as a nonprofit organization and it is meeting requirements to become a tax-exempt organization with a 501C3 status. In-kind and monetary donations are accepted. To make a donation, please call Karen Salomon at 215-646-3638. A new initiative is called Parent Buddies and it matches parents who can share information and resources. Parent Buddies also gives parents an opportunity to get emotional support as they raise their children with special needs. We welcome input and suggestions from parents, teachers and the community. Please join us at our meetings, visit our web site, or e-mail us with any of your concerns or comments (or to volunteer!). As always, we gratefully acknowledge the support of Dr. Michael Pladus, Superintendent of Upper Dublin School District. We are confident that without Dr. Pladus, SPEAC would not have a voice in the community. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contact: E-mail SPEAC Copyright © 2007 www.SPEACofUD.org. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
