Smith, Graves Serve on State Advisory Panel

Lauren Graves, Marietta City Parent Mentor discusses the process of becoming part of SAP

Q. Why did you decide to apply for the Georgia State Advisory Panel SAP?

I applied for the State Advisory Panel because I love learning and growing.  I believe that knowledge leads to your own growth.  The opportunity to learn from other panelists and to learn about what is happening currently within the DOE will be incredibly beneficial. I also believe my knowledge as a parent to two children with disabilities and my time as a Parent Mentor is valuable to bring to the panel.  I currently have the pulse on what an IEP meeting looks like and feels like.  I hear from parents about their struggles and triumphs and am excited to share and bring that to the table.  I love the process of collaboration.  My district has been so supportive, and I look forward to bringing ideas and information back to them. 

Q. Can you describe the process?

The panel has been on my radar for some time.  Once the application process was open, I applied.  There were a series of questions I answered about my experience and how I would be able to serve the panel best.  The process required that I provide two references as well.  Thankfully, Anne Ladd and Lisa Lake were willing!  I applied for the panel in March and found out in July that I was invited to be a panelist.

Courtney Smith, Barrow County Parent Mentor reflects on her first meeting on August 27, 2025

Q. What was participating in the SAP like? 

I actually really enjoyed it. It was an excellent opportunity to meet A LOT of people from different counties in the state. There was a LOT of knowledge in that room!

Q. How can you use your parent mentor skills to support the work that the SAP does? 

More than 50% if the panel is REQUIRED to be made up of people with disabilities and/or parents of students with disabilities. My experience as a special needs mom will help in decision making, and I have the unique opportunity in my role to reach parents with students with disabilities and get their feedback and input on what they want to see in Education

Q.What are some of the work priorities for SAP this year? 

As of right now, we are still deciding. However, it looks like Dispute Resolution, Parent Engagement, and Implementing Policy. That could change though after our next meeting. 

Q. Would you recommend applying to become a member of SAP to another mentor and why? 

I would definitely recommend it! There are a lot of opportunities there for parent mentors because of their exposure to parents in their school districts. They have the ability to get feedback from parents that is vital for our GaDOE to help our students be successful. 

From the Georgia Dept of Education website:

State Advisory Panel (SAP)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all states have special education advisory panels to include representation from stakeholders concerned about providing improved educational opportunities to children with disabilities. The goal in Georgia is to have an active State Advisory Panel with broad representation from across the state to advise the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) regarding the State Performance Plan, State Systemic Improvement Plan, State Personnel Development Grant, Georgia Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process, IDEA Regulations, and other initiatives designed to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities in Georgia’s schools.