Advisory Commission on Special Education Members
- Sarah Notch, Chair
Heather Snipes, Vice Chair - Victoria Graf
- Dawn Hamilton
- Betty Lieu
April Lopez - Russell Michaud
Christine Oyakawa
Gloria Ruiz - Aubrey Scott
Barbara Sorter
- Matthew Wilkins
Student Members
- Rachael Ding
- Saran Tugsjargal
Legislative Members
- Honorable Marie Alvarado-Gil, 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 20, 2025 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time ± |
California Department of Education |
| Thursday, August 21, 2025 9 a.m. to 3:30 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 20‒21, 2025, 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 15, 2025. 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 20–21, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
Item 1
10:15 to 11 a.m.
ACSE Strategic Planning Session (Part 1): Commissioners will participate in a structured session to assess current priorities, identify gaps, and shape the Commission’s strategic focus for the coming year. Presenters: Chair Sarah Notch, ACSE, and Vice Chair Heather Snipes, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 2
11 to 11:45 a.m.
Educational Interpreters for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Addressing their Roles and Responsibilities, Standards and Qualifications, and Critical Issues Affecting Student Access to Education. A brief overview will be provided on the role of Educational Interpreters as Related Service Providers, critical issues such as insufficient standardization and the need for improved oversight and accountability to ensure Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students are provided with appropriate access to instruction and communication in all educational settings. Recommendations to address issues affecting signing DHH students will be discussed in this presentation. Presenter: Tracy L'Angelle, Certificate of Interpretation and National Interpreter Certification Educational Interpreter, Sight Lines Interpreting, Limited Liability Company (LLC). (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Lunch
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Item 3
1 to 1:15 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)
Item 4
1:15 to 2 p.m.
Dually Identified Students–The Journey to Reclassification and Proficiency: The purpose of this presentation is to help the audience understand the role of the individualized education program (IEP) team in the reclassification process and where the information is located in the IEP. The presentation will also identify what supports are needed and available for dually identified students to attain reclassification and proficiency. Presenter: John Burch, Education Administrator I, CDE. (Item type: Information, Discussion)
Item 5
2 to 2:45 p.m.
Student Commissioner Recruitment/Application Process Update: The California Transition Alliance started the Student Commissioner selection process with a statewide outreach campaign to promote open positions, inviting applications from eligible students. Next, a screening committee reviews submissions and schedules Zoom interviews with finalists. From those virtual interviews, the committee selects the top candidates to serve on the Special Education Advisory Commission. We will discuss the strengths of this selection model as well as areas we would like to improve. Presenter: Joyce Montgomery, California Transition Alliance Leadership Team, and Dee Torrington, California Transition Alliance Leadership Team. (Item type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Break
2:45 to 3 p.m.
Item 6
3 to 3:45 p.m.
Office of Youth and Community Restoration: Individualize Education Detention - This presentation highlights the Office of Youth and Community Restoration's (OYCR’s) education and health initiatives aimed at supporting justice-involved youth. An overview of efforts to expand access to quality education, behavioral health services, and reentry support—ensuring youth are set up for long-term success as they transition back into their communities will be shared. Presenter: Michael M. Massa, OYCR Educational Subject Matter Expert, Child Health and Human Services. (Item type: Information, Discussion)
Item 7
3:45 to 4:35 p.m.
ACSE Strategic Planning Session (Part 2): Commissioners will participate in a structured session to assess current priorities, identify gaps, and shape the Commission’s strategic focus for the coming year. Presenters: Chair Sarah Notch, ACSE, and Vice Chair Heather Snipes, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 8
4:35 to 4:55 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
5 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting, day one.
Advisory Commission on Special Education
Thursday, August 21, 2025, 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
- Review of Public Comment Options
- Communications and Announcements
Item 9
9:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Committee Study Session (Operations and Planning Committee): In accordance with the ACSE bylaws, Operations and Planning Committee will meet. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Break
10:45 to 11 a.m.
Item 10
11 to 11:20 a.m.
Commissioners Reports: An update from Commissioner Liaisons. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 11
11:20 to 11:40 a.m.
State Board of Education, and Director of State Special Schools Liaison Reports: An update from the Commissioner Liaisons, the State Board of Education (SBE) Liaison, and the Director of the State Special Schools (SSS) Liaison will be provided. Presenters: Commissioners, ASCE, Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, SBE, Nancy Hlibok Amann, SSS. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Item 12
11:40 a.m. to Noon
Special Education Director’s Report: An update on activities within the Special Education Division will be provided. Presenter: Rachel Heenan, Director of Special Education, CDE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion)
Lunch
Noon to 1 p.m.
Item 13
1 p.m. to 1:15 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)
Item 14
1:15 to 2:15 p.m.
Committee Study Session (Bylaws Committee): In accordance with ACSE bylaws, Bylaws Committee will meet. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 15
2:15 to 2:45 p.m.
ACSE Agenda Building: Commissioners will suggest potential items for future ACSE meetings. Presenters: Commissioners, ACSE. (Item Type: Information, Discussion, Action)
Item 16
2:45 to 3:05 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
3:05 to 3:15 p.m.
Adjournment of meeting