Guam Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities (GAPSD)
Guam's Advisory Body on Special Education Issues
What is GAPSD?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state and outlying territory establish and maintain an advisory panel for the purpose of advising the State special education staff regarding the education of all eligible children with disabilities. In Guam that advisory panel is the Guam Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities or GAPSD.
Mission
The mission of the advisory panel is to guide and assist the Department of Education's Division of Special Education in fulfilling its responsibilty to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities.
Functions of GAPSD
- To advise DOE of unmet needs in the education of students with disabilities.
- To comment publicly on proposed rules and regulations by DOE regarding the education of students with disabilities.
- To advise DOE in developing evaluations and reporting data to US DOE (OSEP).
- To advise DOE in developing corrective action plans.
- To advise DOE in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for students with disabilities.
- To monitor the implementation of activities and timetables pursuant to court orders or special condition.
- To advise DOE on training needs for families of students with disabilities.
GAPSD Membership
GAPSD is made up of a diverse group of individuals with expertise on all aspects affecting special education and related issues. Our membership include:
- Parents and Grandparents
- Persons with Disabilities
- DOE, Division of Special Education Program Administrators
- Representative of Higher Learning
- Juvenile and Adult Correctional Program Administrators
- Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Representative
- Community Representatives
- Private School Representatives
- Teachers (Special Education and General Education Teachers)
Contact GAPSD
GAPSD
c/o Guam Department of Education
501 Mariner Avenue
Barrigada, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 300-1322 -Division of Special Education Parent Services
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