Families to the MAX (F2MAX)
Project MAX, an educational initiative to increase learning opportunities for students with complex needs across PA, is in its final year! For the last five years, the PEAL Center and Hispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales (HUNE) have worked together with PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) to learn and share the tenets of MAX, such as:
- → Presuming competence,
- → Having high expectations, and
- → Providing access to age-appropriate content, aligned to grade level standards.
Since its inception more than 400 individuals from 42 of the 67 counties in PA have participated in the Statewide Parent Network through exhibits, trainings, information sessions, Family Gatherings, and Lunch & Learn webinars. Network members share the belief that through changing the expectations of adults, we can maximize the potential of all students and make real change.
In October 2017, active members in the Parent Network participated in a two-day sustainability and expansion workshop. Through the workshop, attendees established six workgroups that committed to continue the tenets of Project MAX for students with complex needs. One of the results of this workshop is the development of a new name for the network: Families to the MAX: Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network (F2MAX). Since then, F2MAX has grown to include all people interested in maximizing the potential of all children, including any student receiving special education services. F2MAX looks forward to welcoming new families as we expand our focus to students with emotional and behavioral support needs.
Mission of F2MAX: Leading change for children with diverse needs by maximizing opportunities in the home, classroom, and community.
Our Vision: Empower students, families, and communities to believe that all children can reach their maximum potential.
Through family, educational and community collaboration, we can overcome obstacles, promote change and raise expectations for all children. When we work together and believe in the abilities of all students, everyone can learn and be proud of their accomplishments.
Read the rest of our 2018 Winter/Spring Newsletter here.