Student Services

How is a student referred for a Child Study Team evaluation?

Students between the ages of 3 and 21 suspected of having an educational disability may be referred to the Child Study Team for an evaluation by a variety of sources, but they generally come from one of the following:

• Parents may request a Child Study Team Evaluation by sending the request in writing to the Diector of Student Services & Programs.
• Intervention and Referral Services (IR&S) is a building based inter-disciplinary group that meets regularly to provide intervention strategies for students experiencing difficulty in the classroom. Once the team determines that additional information may be necessary or feels that the student may have a potential disability, the student may be recommended for a CST evaluation.

What is the procedure after a referral has been made?

Once the referral has been made, the case manager has 20 days to schedule an Identification Meeting. The necessary personnel expected to attend this meeting would be a social worker, psychologist, learning disabilities teacher consultant, classroom teacher, speech and language specialist (if the suspected disability included that area or the child was ages 3-5) and certainly the parent/guardian.

Are students automatically tested if the request is made?

No. Once a request for a Child Study Team evaluation is made, an Identification Meeting must be scheduled. At that meeting, it is determined if a Child Study Team Evaluation is warranted.

What is the procedure if a student is going to be evaluated?

Once it is determined that testing is necessary, the district then has 90 days to complete the necessary evaluations. Within the 90 days an Eligibility Meeting is scheduled where the evaluations are interpreted and it is determined if the student is eligible for special education and/or related services.

If a student is found eligible, does that mean s/he will be in a special education class?

No. Student placements are a joint decision with the parents. By law, school districts must place students in an educational setting to be the least restrictive and most appropriate. The student will have all the necessary support and services to enable him or her to learn and fully participate as a valued member of the school community.  The Least Restrictive Environment will look different for each child.

Does eligibility differ for preschoolers (ages 3-5)?

Yes. Students must have a significant delay (33%) in one area, a 25% delay in two or more developmental areas such as physical (gross motor, fine motor, sensory) intellectual, communication, social & emotional, and/or adaptive, or has an identified disabling condition, including vision or hearing, that adversely affects learning or development and who requires special education and related services.  If a preschool child with significantly delayed articulation/communication only needs speech therapy as a related service, and not special education (e.g., curricular modifications, specialized instructional strategies, supplementary aids), that child would not qualify under "Preschool child with a disability" as all requirements for eligibility in State regulations N.J.A.C. 6A:14 were not met. To the maximum extent appropriate, preschoolers and students with disabilities will receive their education with their non-disabled peers.

Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) of Matawan Aberdeen

Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District
Special Education Parent Advisory Group
Bylaws (Adopted 6/21/23)

The purpose of the MARSD SEPAG is to:

1. Provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children with disabilities and their families.
2. Increase the involvement of families of children with special needs in making recommendations specific to special education policy.
3. Advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs.
4. Advise on any unmet needs of children with disabilities.
5. Inform families about MARSD special education programs and policies.

1. General Provisions
  A. The SEPAG shall provide reasonable public notice of upcoming elections.
Individuals interested in standing for office must announce their intention at the
election meeting.
  B. Elections shall take place at the final meeting of the school year, and new officers
and liaisons shall take office as of July 1.
  C. Anyone eligible for general membership may serve as an officer or liaison.
However, after the inaugural election, any officer candidate must have attended at
least three SEPAG meetings during the preceding year, unless no such candidate
can be found.
  D. Voting for uncontested positions may be by voice vote. Voting for contested
positions shall be by secret ballot decided by simple majority.
  E. A special election may be held to fill a vacancy if an officer or liaison resigns or is
otherwise unable to serve during the year. The new officer or liaison will
complete the remainder of the term. All resignations must be done in writing.

2. Parent Liaisons
     MARSD SEPAG shall endeavor to have at least one Parent Liaison representing each of the following:
     a. Cambridge Park Elementary School
     b. Cliffwood Elementary School
     c. Ravine Drive Elementary School
     d. Strathmore Elementary School
     e. Lloyd Road Elementary School
     f. Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School
     g. Matawan Regional High School
     h. Out-of-District Placement
     i. Parents of Special People
  B. Parent Liaisons shall serve a term of one year.
  C. Parent Liaisons shall:
     a. Keep informed of SEPAG activities, including by regular meeting attendance.
     b. Participate in outreach efforts to parents in their school or category.
     c. Serve as resources for parents in their school or category.
     d. Bring forward any questions, concerns, needs or issues specific to the school or category they represent to the SEPAG.
     e. Communicate information and materials from the SEPAG to parents and educators at the school or group they represent.

3. Officers
  A. MARSD SEPAG shall have the following officers, who shall together constitute an Executive Board:
     a. President
     b. Vice President
     c. Secretary
     d. Two Communications Co-Officers
  B. Officers shall serve for a term of two years and may run for reelection.

4. Duties of Officers
  A. The SEPAG President shall:
     a. Set the agenda for and preside at all SEPAG meetings.
     b. Act as spokesperson for the organization, including serving as liaison to the Director of Special Services and Board of Education.
     c. Ensure that meeting minutes are prepared and posted.
     d. Oversee the creation, approval, and distribution of informational materials.
     e. Organize and facilitate all other SEPAG activities, except as otherwise delegated.
  B. The SEPAG Vice President shall:
     a. Assume the duties of the President if she/he should for any reason vacate the chair during a meeting or be absent from the meeting.
     b. Keep abreast of all issues before the SEPAG.
     c. Cooperate with the President in carrying out other responsibilities as needed.
  C. The SEPAG Secretary shall:
     a. Maintain meeting attendance logs.
     b. Build and maintain contact lists.
     c. Count and record all vote results.
     d. Reserve meeting spaces.
  D. The Communications Co-Officers shall:
     a. Maintain the SEPAG Facebook page.
     b. Maintain other social media accounts the SEPAG may establish.
     c. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

1. MARSD SEPAG shall hold at least 6 general membership meetings annually, and such other meetings as may be determined.
2. General membership meetings shall include time for parents to discuss questions, concerns, and suggestions about MARSD programs or policies affecting special education. Meetings may include informational or training sessions for parents.
3. MARSD SEPAG shall ensure reasonable advance public notice of all meetings and elections.
4. When formal procedures are needed, MARSD SEPAG will adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order.
5. Minutes of all meetings shall be posted on such online venues as the SEPAG may establish.
6. Meeting minutes shall be presented in a confidential manner that protects the privacy of parents, students and educators.

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