Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE)
Authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 United States Code Section 1412 (a)(21); California Education Code, Section 33590.What is the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE)?
The Commission is an advisory body required by Federal (20 USC 1412[a][21]) and State Statute (EC 33590-6). The ACSE provides recommendations and advice to the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Legislature, and the Governor in new or continuing areas of research, program development and evaluation in California special education.
When does the Commission meet?
The ACSE holds a minimum of five 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 meetings are open to the public pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Act
(PDF). Agendas are posted at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. A meeting Webcast is posted within one week of the meeting date provided that appropriate technology is available at the meeting site.
Live video stream of ACSE meetings is available on meeting dates during times stated in the meeting agenda.
Who serves on the Commission?
The ACSE 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 representatives from the Assembly and Senate.
What is the length of a term?
Members of the legislature appointed to the ACSE 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 to become a Commissioner
Any individual interested in appointment to the ACSE should review the Member Directory to determine those members whose terms are expiring and contact the appointing body to obtain information on their application process.
- Governor's Office: 916-445-2841
- Senate Committee on Rules: 916-651-4151
- Speaker of the Assembly: 916-319-2029
- State Board of Education: 916-319-0827
To whom does the ACSE report?
The ACSE is required to report on at least an annual basis to the:
- California State Board of Education
- California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Governor of the State of California
- California State Assembly
- California State Senate
What issues are addressed?
The ACSE addresses numerous issues related to California Special Education as defined in Education Code Section 56000 including:
- Student Outcomes
- Incarcerated Youth
- Positive Behavioral Interventions
- Interagency Agreements
- Teacher Credentialing
- Parity for Parents/Families
- Integrated Services
Areas of Focus
- Annual Reports
- Legislative Bill Review
- State Plan Input
- Rules and Regulations
- Position Statements on Current Issues in Special Education
- Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning (GOAL) Award
How is the public involved?
The ACSE welcomes public involvement. Opportunities for public comment are provided at each Commission meeting. Webcasts of past ACSE meetings and agendas for upcoming meetings are available on the Meeting Agendas, Summaries, and Webcasts web page. In addition, public hearings are periodically conducted on Special Education or related issues.
The ACSE can be accessed by interested persons through public input sessions, telephone (TTY and fax available), and postal or electronic mail.
Annual Reports
In the early fall of each calendar year, the ACSE releases an Annual Report of the Commission's work over the previous fiscal year. This report provides information on the year's emphasized themes and highlights the items chosen for the agendas of each of the Commission's five yearly meetings. Additionally, the Annual Report includes a section dedicated to the year's Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning Award-winning program. To access the ACSE Annual Report, please visit the Supporting Inclusive Practices web page
.
The ACSE can be contacted by phone at 916-445-4602, by fax at 916-327-3706, or by email at ACSE@cde.ca.gov.