Advocating for Special Education

International Partnerships

In 2003 AFSEA and the New Zealand Association of Special School Principals (NZASSP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) which focused on the development of an international partnership.

As part of this agreement AFSEA and NZASSP will:

• Provide a joint forum for the exchange of information and ideas with a particular focus on leadership, curriculum and policies in special education.
• Work together for the common purpose of promoting and enhancing special education leadership, policies and curriculum.
• Jointly promote the role and status of special education principals and other school based leaders in special education.
• Jointly provide opportunities for professional development between members of the respective national associations,
• Jointly promote research and excellence in special education across the two countries.
• Facilitate principal and teacher/staff exchange between schools across the two countries.
• Jointly advocate for the full range of education services for students with disabilities and
• Work together to develop a long term strategic view of special education.

ASEPA will continue this existing partnership.

ASEPA have also presented papers at international education conferences in 2008 and 2009 in Greece, Sweden and Barcelona on Educational Leadership in Special Education and Issues Facing Initial Teacher Training.

In 2011 ASEPA became a member of the International Confederation of Principals (ICP) and has participated in the recent council meeting in Toronto.

ASEPA has recently completed research with The UNiversity of Northampton (UK) and has developed links with the University of Florida (USA).