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Policy Steering Committee

Charge:

  • Develop recommendations for consideration by CEC’s Board of Directors with regard to special education legislative and regulatory issues at the national level and provide information to units that may be relevant at the state or local level.  
  • Assist CEC in ensuring that the organizations’ position statements are current, relevant, reflect CEC’s mission and values and adhere to CEC’s Principles and Guidelines for Developing Position Statements.
  • Stay informed about policy and legislative issues related to the education of infants, toddlers, children, and young adults with exceptionalities.

NOTE: Day-to-day public policy functions are conducted by staff and consultants, reporting to the executive director. The committee will be provided with updates on impending or emerging issues.

Composition:

The committee is composed of six members. One practitioner and one higher education representative will be selected to fill the two committee vacancies each year. The two members in their third year serve as co-chairs.

Learn About CEC’s Policy and Advocacy Work

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The Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) is an opportunity for educators from across the country to make a difference by advocating for change, and sharing what's really happening in the field of special education, with Members of Congress.

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View the Committee Position Description

Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.

Members

NameProfessional RoleState/ProvinceTerm Expiration
William Jeffreys, M.Ed.,
Co-chair
Director of Special Education, Pottstown School DistrictPA2026
Elizabeth Zagata, M.A.,
Co-chair
Doctoral Candidate, University of ConnecticutCT2026
David F. Bateman, Ph.D.
 
American Institutes for ResearchVA2027
Gary F. Puhl III, Ed.D.
(practitioner)
Director of Special Education, Wayne County RESAMI2027
Kenyon Andrews, M.S.Special Education Teacher, Somerset AcademyNV2028
Josh Taylor, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Washington State University, Department of Teaching and LearningWA2028
Last Updated:  27 January, 2026

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