Welcome to the SSEPAC Site
Resources for Helping my Child in School
Tips and Information
This section contains tips and information for parents to help their children in school. There is information regarding organization skills, homework and homework motivation and study skills. The web sites referenced are state Parent Information Resource Centers (PIRC) which are funded under grants by the Federal government.
Here is an excellent handout to help you develop your child's school organization skills. Organization
Next is a handout to help improve your child's study habits. Study Habits
The next handout contains tips and information on how to improve your child's home study skills. Study Skills
This handout contains tips on making the most of homework. Homework
This handout contains tips on how to motivate your child concerning homework. Homework Motivation
This handout contains additional tips on how to help with your child's homework. Homework Tips
For additional handouts and information like the tips above please click on the links. Mass PIRC and
Arkansas PIRC
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
The state has published a "Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan." See the Massachusetts Department of Education website for more information at DOE Bullying Info. Each school district must also develop its own bullying prevention plan.
IEP's and 504's
Accomodations and Modifications
This handout provides an excellent reference for parents, explaining what are accomodations and what are modifications in addition to many categoried examples of each that may apply to your child and should be written into their IEP/504. Accomodations_Modifications
This article outlines 15 challenges in chart style with the accompanying obstacle, expectation and possible accomodations. For example:
The challenge is distraction. The obstacle being the student is easily distracted during tests. The expectation is the student would sit in the front of the room and come to the test well rested and prepared. The possible accomodations could be the use of a study carrel or noise buffers; the use of templates or graphic organizers and/or help with transcribing onto answer sheets. Meaningful Accomodations for Student Learning
MCAS accommodations. Go to MCAS Accomodations
IEP/504 TEAM Meeting Notice and TEAM Meeting Attendance
What if I can't make the time that the school scheduled for my child's IEP/504 meeting? Have them re-schedule it so that it is convenient to both you and the school.
Who is required to attend my child's IEP/504 meeting? All those who work with your child are required to attend the TEAM meeting unless you have signed off in advance that their attendance is not required and they have provided you a written report.
Additional details can be found in the FAQ's page. Please click here.
Parent Guides to IEP's and 504's and the Process
Following are informative articles written and provided by the Massachusetts Association of Parent Advisory Councils - Masspac
An overview of 504 plans and FAPE (free appropriate public education). Overview
Two articles offered on effective communication in special education. Effective Communication 1 and Effective Communication 2
You the parent/guardian and your role as an advocate for your child. Advocate
Hiring an advocate Hire Advocate
Prior Written Notice Prior Written Notice
Regulatory Authority Regulatory Authority
OCR Complaint Procedure OCR Complaint Procedure
Definition of "Effective Progress"
Check this pdf to help understand what "effective progress" is supposed to be. Effective Progress
MCAS
This handout contains information to help your child before taking the MCAS with a few tips to help with anxiety. MCAS
Accomodations for the MCAS. These regulations and guidelines come from the state. Thus, if, according to the flow charts in the included document, a student is found to be eligible for the particular accommodation, the school can grant those accommodations when taking the MCAS. Please see this link for accommodations that are available. MCAS Accomodations
