Advisory Commission on Special Education Members
- Sarah Notch, Chair
Heather Snipes, Vice Chair - Debora Beaver
- Victoria Graf
- Dawn Hamilton
April Lopez - Russell Michaud
Christine Oyakawa
Gloria Ruiz - Aubrey Scott
Barbara Sorter
- Matthew Wilkins
Student Members
- Helena Donato-Sapp
Michelle Feimer
Legislative Members
- Honorable Sasha Rene Perez, Senate
Honorable James Gallagher, Assembly
State Board of Education
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, Liaison
State Special Schools
Nancy Hlibok Amann, Director, State Special Schools and Services Division
California Department of Education
Executive Secretary
Dr. Rachel Heenan, Director, Special Education Division
California Department of Education
Agenda times are approximate and are provided for convenience only. Items may be re-ordered to be heard on any day of the noticed meeting or on a subsequent agenda. The order of business may be changed without notice. Every effort will be made to webcast this meeting in its entirety, but some portions may not be webcast due to logistical constraints.
Reasonable Accommodation for Any Individual With a Disability
Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a meeting or function of the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), may request assistance by contacting the Special Education Division (SED), 1430 N Street, Suite 2401, Sacramento, CA, 95814; telephone, 916-445-4602; fax, 916-327-3706.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
| Meeting Schedule | Meeting Location |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 19, 2026 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education |
| Thursday, August 20, 2026 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education 1430 N Street, Room 1101 Sacramento, California 916-445-4602 |
Advisory Commission on Special Education Meeting Logistics
Members of the public may view the meeting by live webcast, which will subsequently be archived on the ACSE Meeting Webcasts web page.
The August 19–20, 2026, ACSE meeting will be held at the California Department of Education (CDE), at the address noted above. The CDE building will be open to the public, however capacity may be limited to allow for physical distancing and members of the public are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
Public Comment Guidelines
Public comment may be via email, phone, or in-person, as specified below.
The public is highly encouraged to submit written comment to the ACSE members in advance for prior consideration. In order to ensure Commissioners have time to review comments, please submit comments by noon on Friday, August 14, 2026. However, comments received after that time will be forwarded to Commission members until the day of the meeting. Comments should be submitted to the ACSE mailbox at ACSE@cde.ca.gov. The following information should be included in the body of the email: (1) commenter's first and last name, (2) organization affiliation, (3) agenda item number or general public comment.
Phone
Public comment may also be provided by dialing the phone number and participant access code that will be provided on August 19–20, 2026, and then following the operator's prompts. Upon dialing in, callers will be added to a caller queue. The operator will notify callers when it is their turn to provide public comment. Public comment will be limited to one minute for each agenda item unless otherwise specified by the ACSE. Members of the public wishing to dial in for public comment should view the live-stream of the meeting. The number and access code will be provided at the start of public comment for each item.
Prior to making public comment, speakers who are watching the meeting via live webcast should make sure the volume on their computer is muted to avoid echoing or feedback during the call.
Please use the phone number and access code provided below:
- Phone number: 717-908-1926
- Participant Access Code: 1166083#
In-Person
Public comment may also be provided in-person at the ACSE meeting. However, capacity may be limited to allow for physical distancing and members of the public are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Individuals who wish to comment on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment must sign up on the public comment roster prior to public comment. Public comment will be limited to one minute for each agenda item unless otherwise specified by the ACSE.
Agenda Item Materials
Agenda item materials, including presentation materials, are available by sending a request for copies to ACSE@cde.ca.gov.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 10 a.m. Pacific Time ±
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California
Begin Meeting
10 to 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time ±
- Call to Order: Roll Call
- Salute to the American Flag
- Review of Agenda: Day One
- Accessibility
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
- Swearing in of commissioner
Item 1
10:15 to 11 a.m.
The California Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) for students with disabilities: YLF is a statewide leadership and self-advocacy training program designed for youth and young adults with disabilities ages 16–24. Our 2026 statewide conference was held July 13–18 at California State University, Sacramento where 60 students from across California were selected to participate in our weeklong program designed to improve their self-advocacy skills and leadership development. Presenters: Matt Baker, Project Manager, California YLF, Kitzaly, YLF Alumna, Leilani, YLF Alumna, Leticia, YLF Alumna, Scott, YLF Alumna, Penny, YLF Alumna, Wesley, YLF Alum. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 2
11 to 11:45 a.m.
La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools Parent Empowerment Program (PEP): Strengthening Family Partnerships Through Early Intervention: The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District’s PEP is a district-based early-intervention model that equips families, educators, and support teams with evidence-based strategies to address young children’s behavioral and social-emotional needs before challenges lead to exclusion or more restrictive placements. This presentation will highlight PEP’s family-centered approach, inclusive practices, and local outcomes demonstrating increased prosocial skills, reduced challenging behavior, and improved access to the Least Restrictive Environment. Presenters will also share a scalable vision for a PEP California Training Center that could help California districts strengthen family partnerships, build local capacity, and intervene earlier so more children can participate, belong, and thrive. Presenters: Chelsea Matz, Coordinator, Early Intervention and Mental Health, La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools (LMSVS) and Charmaine Larson, Director, Early Childhood Education, LMSVS. (Item Type: Information, Discussion Action)
Lunch
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Item 3
1 to 1:10 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Item 4
1:10 to 2 p.m.
The Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform (CEEDAR): The CEEDAR Center is a national technical assistance center, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. CEEDAR has been providing technical assistance across the country and in California since 2013. The California CEEDAR team represents educator preparation programs, state agencies, and professional organizations. This presentation will provide an overview of California CEEDAR partnerships and initiatives. Presenters: Dr. Erica McCray, CEEDAR Center, Executive Director University of Florida College of Education, Associate Dean, Personnel Affairs and Community Engagement and Kate Adams, CEEDAR Center, Technical Assistant Support Specialist. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 5
2 to 2:30 p.m.
Committee Study Session (Legislation and Policy): In accordance with the ACSE bylaws, the Legislation and Policy Committee will meet. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Break
2:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Item 6
2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
High Quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): The High Quality IEPs (HQ IEPs) Project, a special education resource lead, will share California’s newly digitized IEP forms that align with the state’s vision of student-centered and strengths-based IEPs. The presentation will also highlight the recently released Parent IEP Toolkit designed to support meaningful family engagement in the IEP process. Presenters: Heather DiFede, Executive Director, HQ IEPs, Jennifer Yales, Ed. D., Executive Consultant, HQ IEPs, Noreen Rodriguez-Lippencott, Program Administrator, HQ IEPs, Hinda Nadif Ed. D., Program Administrator, HQ IEPs, and Leo Mapagu Ed.D., Executive Director for Northwest Special Education Local Plan Area. (Item Type: Information, Discussion).
Item 7
3:30 to 4 p.m.
Committee Study Session (Operations and Planning): In accordance with the ACSE bylaws, the Operations and Planning Committee will meet. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 8
4 to 4:15 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Adjournment
4:15 to 4:30 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting, day one.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 9 a.m. Pacific Time ±
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California
Begin Meeting
9 to 9:15 a.m. Pacific Time ±
- Call to Order: Roll Call
- Salute to the American Flag
- Review of Agenda: Day Two
- Accessibility
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
Item 9
9:15 to 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Liaison Report: An update from Commissioner Liaisons. Presenters: ACSE Commissioners. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 10
9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
State Board of Education Liaison Report: An update from State Board of Education (SBE) Liaison. Presenter: Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, SBE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Break
10:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Item 11
10:30 to 11 a.m.
Director of State Special Schools Liaison Report: An update from Director of State Special Schools (SSS) Liaison will be provided. Presenter: Nancy Hlibok Amann, SSS. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 12
11 to 11:45 a.m.
Special Education Director’s Report: An update on activities within the SED will be provided. Presenter: Dr. Rachel Heenan, Director of Special Education, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Lunch
11:45 a.m to 1 p.m.
Item 13
1 to 1:10 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Item 14
1:10 to 2 p.m.
Strengthening Governance of California’s Education System: Responding to calls to unify K–12 governance going back more than 100 years, Assembly Bill (AB) 181 brings greater cohesion and accountability to California’s education governance system to support consistent implementation of state policy and budget priorities, guidance and assistance for local educational agencies, and improved student outcomes. Also, recognizing the need for a more cohesive and aligned public education system from Transitional Kindergarten through college, AB 181 reimagines the Superintendent of Public Instruction role by adding voting authorities at all levels of public education governance in California. Receive an overview of the legislation, its implementation timeline, and consider implications for special education. (Title and description under review). Presenter: Brooks Allen, Executive Director, State Board of Education. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 15
2 to 2:50 p.m.
Transition from Part C to Part B Overview and Resources: This presentation will be on the topic of the transition from Part C to Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It will include a general overview of Part C/Early Start, Lanterman, the Part C to Part B transition, as well as helpful resources. Presenters: Reyna Ambriz, Branch Manager, Early Start Branch, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Marcy Okada, Section Chief, Transitions and Partnerships, DDS, Erin Brady, Assistant Deputy Director, Early Childhood and Youth Service Division, DDS, Christi Krause, Education Administrator, Early Childhood Support Unit (ECSU), Special Education Division (SED), California Department of Education (CDE), and Gigi Ostrowsky, Education Programs Consultant, ECSU, SED, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 16
2:50 to 3:15 p.m.
Agenda Building: Commissioners will suggest potential items for future ACSE meetings. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 17
3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
General Public Comment: General public comment is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked by Commissioners for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to in a future meeting agenda. The chair reserves the right to establish time limits on presentations. (Item Type: Information)
Adjournment
3:30 to 3:45 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting