| The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended, "...provide(s) that the State has an Advisory Panel, appointed by the Governor...composed of individuals involved in or concerned with the education of children with disabilities, including individuals with disabilities, teachers, parents or guardians of children with disabilities, State and local education officials, and administrators of programs for children with disabilities…" With the Reauthorization of IDEA effective June 4 ,1997, Council membership was revised to affirmatively include representative of other State agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities; representatives of private schools and public charter schools; at least one representative of a vocational community, or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities; and representatives from the State juvenile and adult corrections agencies. The members of GACEC have been appointed by the Governor in accordance with the above federal mandate and serve at the Governor's pleasure. The composition of GACEC membership represents a broad cross-section of Delaware's statewide community. |