Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center - CPAC

CMT/CAPT (Modified Assessment System—MAS) PPT Eligibility Worksheet

CPAC — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:42:26 +0000

Did you know that the CT State Department of Education has a worksheet to determine a student’s eligibility for the CMT/CAPT (Modified Assessment System-MAS)? Visit the SDE website to view the worksheet.

GCYD Scholarship Information

CPAC — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:40:35 +0000

The Governor’s Coalition for Youth with Disabilities (GCYD) is now accepting scholarship applications from qualified high school students with disabilities seeking to continue their training or education.

Candidates must be 2012 graduating students who:

have a documented disability as defined under I.D.E.A.
reside in Connecticut
have demonstrated responsibility and good character
plan to attend a post-secondary school or training program
show promise for a successful career

For more information or to download the application, visit www.gcyd.org/scholarship.html.

Analysis of State Seclusion and Restraint Laws and Policies

CPAC — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:32:16 +0000

A new report written by Jessica Butler and published by The Autism National Committee entitled, “How Safe Is The Schoolhouse?
An Analysis of State Seclusion and Restraint Laws and Policies” offers extensive information from 51 states on the use of seclusion and restraint in schools. The report examines the current state laws regarding seclusion/restraint, analyzes the effect the national Congressional efforts have had on state law, and explores particular state requirements which provide important protections against restraint and seclusion. Read the full report: How Safe is the Schoolhouse? An Analysis of State Seclusion and Restraint Laws and Policies

School Governance Councils

CPAC — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:59:55 +0000

As of November 1, 2011, 184 schools in Connecticut that failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress were required to have councils in place. The advisory councils look at schoolwide student achievement data and can advise principals on school policies and needs. The councils do operate under some restrictions. They cannot review individual student test scores, discuss individual student issues, supervise staff or enter into any contracts. Some councils still have vacancies for parent members. Check with your child’s school to see if there are vacancies or if you want to know the meeting schedule. All meetings are open to the public.

Click here to learn more about school governance councils

Updated CSDE Model Forms

CPAC — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:04:56 +0000

The Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) model state complaint form and its model due process hearing request form have been revised. On the revised forms, you will see an asterisk (*) which identifies any information on these forms that is in addition to the information required under the regulations. Any information with an asterisk is optional information. Any information without an asterisk is required information under the regulations. These forms continue to be “model” forms in that the public is not required to use these forms to file a state complaint or a due process hearing request. View the updated forms here>>

Participants Needed for Development of Assessment Materials

CPAC — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:15:39 +0000

Pearson, the nation’s leading publishing company of assessment materials is looking for exceptional children, ages two and half through seven and half, to help develop the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Forth Edition. Participants will be asked to perform tasks including block arrangement, pattern recognition, relational concepts, word definitions, word comparisons, and many other tasks. Parents will also be asked to complete a home environment questionnaire that will allow us to identify environmental factors associated with exceptionalities. Compensation will be provided. Click here for more information: Pearson Assessment Information

Keeping All Students Safe Act

CPAC — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:25:14 +0000

On December 16, 2011, Chairman Tom Harkin introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act. This bill would promote the development of effective intervention and prevention practices that do not impose restraints and seclusion; protect all students from physical or mental abuse, aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health and safety, and any restraint imposed for purposes of coercion, discipline or convenience, or as a substitute for appropriate educational or positive behavioral interventions and supports. Importantly the bill also works to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel and promote positive school culture and climate. Read more about the bill on the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates’ website.

Civil Rights Office Expands Its Reach Into Schools

CPAC — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:22:09 +0000

The Education Department’s office for civil rights is trying to make good on a pledge to aggressively combat discrimination, in all forms, in the nation’s schools. Read more about their efforts in “Civil Rights Office Expands Its Reach Into Schools.”

2012 CT Youth Leadership Forum

CPAC — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:28:40 +0000

This year’s Youth Leadership Forum for Students will Disabilities will be held July 23 through July 26, 2012 at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. The program focuses on enhancing community leadership skills and will provide a concentrated educational and motivational experience for students selected through a formal, competitive application process. The forum is open to current high school sophomores and juniors with disabilities. The application deadline is February 17, 2012. Click here for more information and to access the application. For more information, contact Karen Halliday at karenh1203@aol.com or 860-918-2862 or Kathleen Kabara at 860-424-5068 or kathleen@ctylp.org.

Voices Call For Art

CPAC — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:45:40 +0000

Has mental illness touched your life? VOICES: The Art of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Touched by Mental Illness is putting out a call for art to CT residents ages 8 through 21 for an exhibit that will be displayed in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford from April 2nd through the 13th. Voices is looking for a photograph, collage, painting, drawing, poem, short story or any other form of visual or written expression that shows how mental illness has touched your life. Submissions will be accepted until January 13th. For more information, visit www.ctvsa.org or contact Ann Nelson at 203-927-1541 or familyresearch@namict.org.