MPACT Newsletter: Feb 2016 Vol 1

Empowering families to advocate for themselves so that children with special educational needs can reach their full potential in education and life - through support, training, and education.

U.S. Department of Education Proposes Rule to Promote Equity in IDEA

The U.S. Department of Education announced this week that it has proposed a new rule to amend Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This proposed rule is a product of the My Brother's Keeper Task Force and intends to reduce the disparity in the identification, placement, and discipline of students with disabilities.

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MPACT Parent Mentor Program

MPACT Parent Mentors are available to offer support and guidance to parents of children with disabilities throughout the IEP process. Parent Mentors are volunteers located throughout Missouri who receive targeted initial training, ongoing up-to-date training, and technical assistance from MPACT staff with regard to special education law, the IEP process, conflict resolution, and effective communication.

The goal of the Parent Mentor Program is to help parents build a collaborative partnership with the school district so their child may receive an appropriate education. If you have questions regarding the status of a Parent Mentor or are interested in becoming a volunteer Parent Mentor, please contact MPACT.

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Current Proposed Missouri Bills Related to Special Education

HB 1368 - Hubrecht

Establishes a committee to examine the schools for the severely disabled

SB 809 - Sifton
Requires each public school to screen each student for dyslexia and related disorders

SB 827 - Sifton
Creates the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia

SB 1062 - Brown
Requires that any standards developed by the State Board of Education for the purposes of determining a child's eligibility for special educational services shall allow the consideration of trauma as a result of experience in foster care

HB 2569 - Hummel

Requires a student to receive instruction in Braille reading and writing if an assessment demonstrates the need for the instruction

HB 2419 - Kelley

Requires cameras in special-needs classrooms

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Upcoming MPACT Parent Trainings

IDEA Boot Camp February 27 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Life Ability Center 1107 Country Club Drive Kirksville, 63501	Understanding the IEP Process March 24 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm On My Own 428 E Highland Nevada, MO 64772
Part C to Part B and Understanding the IFSP Process March 1 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Hawthorn Bank 3701 W. Truman Blvd. Jefferson City, 65109	Understanding the IEP Process and The Art of Effective Advocacy March 21 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Rolla Public Library 900 N. Pine Street Rolla, MO 65401
Understanding the IEP Process March 16 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Priority Care Pediatrics, LLC 9405 N. Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64155	Understanding the IEP Process March 29 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Bootheel Area Independent Living 719 Teaco Road Kennett, MO 63857

* Up-to-date training information is available on our website .

MPACT is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Grant No. H328M090020-10. The contents of the website, however, and any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S Department of Education.

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