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 State Advisory Panel (SAP)


Application for Membership

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all states have special education advisory panels to include representation from stakeholders concerned about providing improved educational opportunities to children with disabilities. The goal in Georgia is to have an active State Advisory Panel with broad representation from across the state to advise the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) regarding the State Performance Plan, State Systemic Improvement Plan, State Personnel Development Grant, Georgia Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process, IDEA Regulations, and other initiatives designed to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities in Georgia’s schools.

Please use this link to apply for membership.​​

The State Advisory Panel​

​​​The State Advisory Panel for Special Education (SAP) advises the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports on the provision of special education and related services for students with disabilities. The SAP is comprised of parents, persons with disabilities, educators and administrators as well as representatives from public and private agencies. This diverse group of stakeholders assists the Divisions in addressing a variety of special education issues and topics.

The SAP advises the Divisions on the unmet needs related to the education of children with disabilities within the State and provides feedback on any rules or regulations proposed by the State regarding special education. The SAP is a critical partner in the development of Georgia's State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR). The Panel also advises the Divisions on the improvement activities that need to be developed and implemented in order to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Each year, members review data on the improvement activities included in the SPP and APR and make suggestions for updates to the activities and targets.

The SAP advises the GaDOE in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports under IDEA and advises the GaDOE in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities. The Panel participates in the Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process by recommending target areas for upcoming focused monitoring activities.

If you wish to contact members of the State Advisory Panel in your region of the state or would like to learn more about the Panel, you may contact:
 

Jennifer Irvin, SAP Chair
Email: jennifer.irvin@gdc.ga.gov

Patricia Grayson, SAP Past Chair(2023 - 2024)
Email: pattispeice@comcast.net


SAP Meeting Dates   

  • September 13, 2023 - hybrid meeting
  • November 8, 2023  - virtual
  • January 17, 2024 - virtual
  • April 17, 2024 - virtual​


Public Comments

Meeting Minutes

SAP Documents

SAP Annual Reports

 

 

 

 
     
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