Committee on Special Populations

The Committee on Special Populations (formerly the Special Education Ad-hoc committee) was created on April 28, 2008, charged specifically with reviewing issues and instructional programs designed to meet the needs of special populations that require special education services, gifted and talented instruction, alternative programs, ESOL services, and multilingual supports (see Board resolution number 152-08).

• Shirley Brandman (Chair)
• Stephen Abrams
• Sharon W. Cox

Text of Resolution 152-08

WHEREAS, Over the past ten years demographic changes in race, ethnicity, and socioeconomics have reshaped the population of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) from a homogeneous population to one that is rich in diversity; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education has responded to these demographic shifts by working to ensure that the appropriate instructional programs are in place to address the needs of all MCPS students as reflected in the strategic plan, Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence; and

WHEREAS, The Board seeks to ensure that resources are sufficiently and efficiently allocated to meet the needs of all MCPS students; and

WHEREAS, These needs include areas in special needs populations, for students receiving special education programs, alternative programs, gifted and talented education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and students who need multilingual support in order to be successful in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, The Special Education Ad Hoc Committee was originally established in 2003 to engage in dialogue with individuals and groups concerned about children with disabilities, to gather input on concerns and issues relating to the delivery of special education services, report to the Board of Education, no later than December 2003, outlining its findings and recommendations for further action; and

WHEREAS, In the course of the committee’s work, it has become apparent that a standing committee is absolutely essential to address the needs of children with disabilities and students of other populations who need appropriate supports in order to be successful in the general education environment; now therefore be it

Resolved, That effective immediately, the Board reconstitutes the Special Education Ad Hoc Committee into a standing committee that shall be named the Committee on Special Populations charged specifically with reviewing issues and instructional programs designed to meet the needs of special populations that require special education services, gifted and talented instruction, alternative programs, ESOL services, and multilingual supports.

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