Article 6Advisory Commission on Special Education
Section § 33590
This section establishes the Advisory Commission on Special Education in California, which consists of 19 members from various backgrounds, including legislators, individuals with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities. The members are appointed by different state authorities such as the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate, the Governor, and the State Board of Education. The commission is intended to represent the state's population and is composed of individuals concerned with the education of children with disabilities. Most members must either have disabilities themselves or be parents of children with disabilities. Members are generally appointed for four-year terms, though pupil members serve for one year with the possibility of a second year. No public member can serve more than two terms. The commission selects its own chairperson, who is responsible for notifying appointing bodies of vacancies.
Section § 33591
This section states that the legislators on the commission for special education have the same powers and responsibilities as a joint legislative committee. They should be involved in the commission's activities as long as it doesn’t conflict with their legislative duties. These legislators stay on the commission as long as the person who appointed them wants them there.
Section § 33592
This law section explains that commission members won't be paid but will get reimbursed for necessary expenses, like travel, required to do their jobs. Other necessary expenses can also be reimbursed if they are within the budget and get approval from the commission and its executive secretary.
Section § 33593
This law states that either the Superintendent of Public Instruction or the person they choose will act as the executive secretary for a specific commission.
Section § 33595
This law outlines the responsibilities of a commission that helps guide special education in California. The commission studies, advises, and provides support on special education matters to key state figures and bodies like the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. They publicly comment on proposed rules, help develop federal evaluation reports and corrective action plans, and focus on policy for coordinating services for students with special needs. The commission reports at least yearly on issues like activities for special education, funding distribution, unmet educational needs, and how to improve services. Their recommendations are communicated to state leadership and must be added to the State Board of Education's agenda for action.
Section § 33596
This law specifies that the term 'commission' refers to the Advisory Commission on Special Education. Additionally, this commission also acts as the State Advisory Panel as required by a federal law concerning special education.