What is a SEPAG?

A Special Education Parent Advisory Group serves as a representative body on behalf of students with special educational needs and their families. This is in accordance with the state’s special education mandate: New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) which states, “Each Board of Education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.”

Our Mission:
In collaboration with the district and its commitment to excellence for all of our children, SEPAG Morristown and Morris School will work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of every student with an Individualized Education Program, a 504 Plan or a special need in the Morristown and Morris School. To that end, SEPAG Morristown/Morris will:

• Provide a forum to share and discuss matters of interest for parents or caregivers of students who receive special services.
• Provide input to the Board of Education and district administration on policies, programs, and practices that impact students who receive special services.
• Advocate for the continual improvement of the district’s programming as it relates to students with disabilities.

RESULTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS

• ENHANCED communication and relationships with families of students with disabilities
• Decision-making that aligns with the NEEDS AND PRIORITIES of students and families
• IMPROVEMENT in school climate and culture
• HIGHER QUALITY of special education program offerings for students with disabilities
• Ability to better meet the DIVERSE NEEDS of students with disabilities and their families

RESULTS FOR STUDENTS

• Development of SELF-ADVOCACY and SELF-DETERMINATION skills
• opportunity to share their views and help MAKE DECISIONS
• HIGHER EXPECTATIONS of what they can achieve academically and what will happen after school
• Improved special education programs and services that reflect the EVIDENCED NEEDS of students
• Fostering INDEPENDENCE appropriate to individual skills and abilities

RESULTS FOR FAMILIES

• Greater UNDERSTANDING of the special education process and the roles families play
• Opportunity to Share IDEAS AND CONCERNS with administrators about special education programs
• Connect with other families and build RELATIONSHIPS
• Suggest IMPROVEMENTS to special education programs and services for students with
  disabilities in the district and community 

Who can be a member of Morris SEPAG?

• Parents are the core members 
• Other members may include school leaders, including the District Supervisor of Special Services and/or members of the Board of Education; teachers, Child Study Team members, and other school professionals; students and former students; other parents committed to improving education in their district; and community leaders and another citizen.

How do we achieve our goals?
Parent involvement, parent support, and parent input will make SEPAG effective within the school district and benefit students.
Parents may provide feedback on things that are working well and areas of opportunity within the Department of Special Services.  Items requiring immediate attention should be communicated through the case manager, however, the SEPAG parent survey can support the systematic needs opportunity to understand family experience and needs.