Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE)

1430 N Street, Suite 2401
Sacramento, CA 94244-2720
Phone 916-445-4602
FAX 916-327-3706
TTY 916-323-9779

Authorized by Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 20 United States Code Section 1413 (a)(21); California Education Code, Section 33590

What is the Advisory Commission on Special Education?

The Commission is an advisory body required by Federal (20 USC 1412(a)(21)) and State Statute (EC 33590-6). The Commission provides recommendations and advice to the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Legislature, and the Governor in new or continuing areas of research, program development and evaluation in California special education.

Who serves on the Commission?

The Advisory Commission consists of appointed members from the Speaker of the Assembly, Senate Committee on Rules, Governor, and the State Board of Education. The membership consists of parents, persons with disabilities, persons knowledgeable about the administration of special education, teachers, and legislative representation from the Assembly and Senate.

What is the length of a term?

Members of the legislature appointed to the Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing body. Each public member shall serve a four-year term (maximum of 2 terms). Public member terms expire on December 31, in odd numbered years.

How does one become a Commissioner?

Any individual interested in appointment to the ACSE should review the Member Directory to determine those members whose term will expire soon and then contact the appointing body to obtain information on their application process.

• Governor's Office: 916-445-2841
• Senate Committee on Rules: 916-445-4311
• Speaker of the Assembly: 916-319-2046
• State Board of Education: 916-319-0827

To whom does it report?

The commission is required to report on at least an annual basis to the:

• State Board of Education
• Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Governor
• Legislature

What issues are addressed?

The Advisory Commission addresses numerous issues in California Special Education including:

• Student Outcomes
• Incarcerated Youth
• Positive Behavioral Interventions
• Interagency Agreements
• Teacher Credentialing
• Parity for Parents/Families
• Integrated Services

Products and ongoing activities

• Annual Reports
• Legislative Bill Review
• State Plan Input
• Rules and Regulations
• Position Statements on Current Issues

When does the Commission meet?

The Advisory Commission holds a minimum of four meetings a year with additional subcommittee or task force meetings as budget permits. Some members may also attend meetings of other official and related organizations as liaisons. All Commission meetings are open to the public pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Act (PDF; Outside Source). Agendas are posted at least 10 days prior to meeting date and the resulting minutes are posted once the Commissioners officially approve them.

How is the public involved?

The Advisory Commission on Special Education welcomes public involvement. Opportunities for public comment are provided at every Commission meeting. Minutes of past Commission meetings and agendas for upcoming meetings are provided upon request. In addition, public hearings are conducted on topical issues periodically.

The Commission can be accessed by interested persons through public input sessions, telephone (TTY and fax available), and postal or electronic mail.

• Guidelines for Obtaining Input

Purpose

The Commission studies and provides assistance to the

• State Board of Education
• Superintendent of Public Instruction
• California Legislature
• Governor

In new or continuing special education areas of

• research
• program development
• evaluation

The commission reports to these entities at least once a year on the following:

• Necessary activities to be undertaken regarding special education for individuals with exceptional needs enumerated in Education Code Section 56100.
• Distribution of federal and state funds - Priorities and procedures utilized
• Unmet educational needs of individuals with exceptional needs within the state.
• Recommendations regarding the provision of improved educational services to individuals with exceptional needs including, but not limited to the developmental, review, and revision of the definition of "appropriate" as used in the phrase "free and appropriate public education" as used in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Additionally, the Commission participates in the development of the California State Plan for Part B of the IDEA and proposed rules and regulations. The Commission also assists the United States Secretary of Education in the performance of his or her activities.