Special Education

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)                           

 

Left to Right:  Dick Bourgault (ISD Administrator and Producer of the DVD), Laura Bush (PAC Representative from the Ludington Area School District), Lora Grabowski (PAC Representative from the Ludington Area School District), and Melissa Wagner (PAC Representative from the Mason County Central School District)

The Mason-Lake ISD Parent Advisory Committee won the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) 2007 Education Excellence Award for their DVD project: a DVD for Parents by Parents entitled:                                               THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS an Introduction for Parents This DVD was designed to assist parents of school aged children who start to show signs of struggle in behavior, learning, or both.  Long before parents and school staff consider the need for Special Education, there are many things that parents and teachers can do to improve their children's behavior and/or learning struggles.  This DVD takes parents through steps that can help solve problems without the need for special education.  But, if those efforts do not help the student make reasonable improvement over time, parents and school staff may then want to consider the need for Special Education.  This DVD then walks parents through each step of the Special Education Process: emphasizing positive parent and school collaborations and equal partnerships.

  

Every ISD in Michigan has a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).  This is a group of parents of students with impairments who live within the local school districts that make up the Mason-Lake ISD. Baldwin Freesoil Ludington Mason County Central Mason County Eastern Pentwater

What does a PAC do? The PAC members advise on issues and matters relating to special education programs and services.  These members report back to their local school districts. The PAC has an active role in developing, revising and updating the ISD mandatory Special Education Plan. The PAC members are available as a resource for any parent regarding special education. The PAC meets at least 4 times a year to discuss current issues in special education. The PAC may sponsor trainings and workshops. The PAC participates in the development and updating of the ISD Parent Special Education Handbook. The PAC can engage in projects, such as the award winning DVD: the Special Education Process: an Introduction for Parents

Who is on the PAC? State Rules mandate that each local district appoints at least one parent to be on the PAC.  The only requirement for nomination, is that the parent must be a parent of a student with a disability.  This student must have a current IEP  (Special Education "Individualized Education Plan")  Contact the ISD special education secretary for a current list of PAC members, and how to contact these members.

Who may attend PAC meetings? All citizens and parents are welcome to attend the PAC meetings.  Please call the ISD special education secretary for times and locations.

How do I find out more? You may contact the ISD Special Education Secretary or Director of Special Education at 231.757.3716