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 - Joshua Weitzman
- Matthew Wilkins
- Emily Zacarias
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, October 14, 2026 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education |
| Thursday, October 15, 2026 9 a.m. to 2:35 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 October 14–15, 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, October 9, 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 October 14–15, 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, October 14, 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 Commissioners
Item 1
10:15 to 11 a.m.
The Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE): CIE Roadmap is an interagency initiative developed by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and the California Department of Education (CDE) to help professionals navigate services and supports that lead to competitive integrated employment outcomes for students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This presentation will provide an overview of the CIE Roadmap and explore how it can strengthen cross-agency collaboration and support students and individuals with disabilities on their pathway to meaningful employment. Presenters: Wes Roberson, Education Administrator, Early Childhood and Youth Services Division, DDS; Nick Wavrin, Education Administrator, Programs and Partnerships Unit, Special Education Division, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 2
11 to 11:45 a.m.
California Collaborative for Impactful Practices (CCIP) Introduction to the Indicator 14 Toolkit: This presentation provides an overview of the Indicator 14 Toolkit, a resource designed to support local educational agencies in improving post-school outcomes data collection and use. Attendees will learn about key toolkit components, practical implementation strategies, and how the resource can strengthen transition planning and continuous improvement efforts for students with disabilities. Presenters: Chiara Perry, Assistant Director, CCIP; Dr. Matthew Love, Professional Expert, and Dr. Anna Marie Villalobos, Retired Special Education Local Plan Area Director and Professional Expert. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
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 1:55 p.m.
CDE Annual Performance Report/State Performance Plan: The SED will present the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Performance Report (APR)/State Performance Plan (SPP), an annual submission to the Office of Special Education Programs. The APR/SPP reports on the progress of meeting yearly targets in 17 indicators, focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Presenters: Shiyloh Duncan-Becerril, Associate Director of Special Education, SED, CDE; and Nora Parella, Education Administrator, Policy and Initiatives Unit, SED, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 5
1:55 to 2:25 p.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
2:25 to 2:40 p.m.
Item 6
2:40 to 3:10 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 7
3:10 to 3:20 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
3:20 to 3:30 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting, day one.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Thursday, October 15, 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 8
9:15 to 9:45 a.m.
Commissioner Liaison Report: An update from Commissioner Liaisons. Presenters: ACSE Commissioners. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 9
9:45 to 10:15 a.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
10:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Item 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
1:10 to 1:55 p.m.
WorkAbility I (WAI): WAI is a California transition program that provides students with individualized education programs (IEPs) access to comprehensive pre-employment skills training, work-based learning experiences, job placement services, and postsecondary transition supports. This presentation will explore the importance and impact of WAI, its role as a connector within local secondary transition systems, current opportunities and challenges, and future possibilities for expanding positive outcomes for students with disabilities. Presenters: Ray Bueche, Coordinator, Special Education, Saddleback Valley Unified School District; Nick Wavrin, Education Administrator, Programs and Partnerships Unit (PPU), SED, CDE; Randy Holcomb, Education Programs Consultant, PPU, SED, CDE; Rachel Byrne, Education Programs Assistant, PPU, SED, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 14
1:55 to 2:10 p.m.
Agenda Building: Commissioners will suggest potential items for future ACSE meetings. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 15
2:10 to 2:20 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
2:25 to 2:35 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting