MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION
Program Quality Assurance Services
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Charter School or District: Pittsfield
CPR Onsite Year: 2011-2012
Program Area: Special Education
All corrective action must be fully implemented and all noncompliance
corrected as soon as possible and no later than one year from the issuance
of the Coordinated Program Review Final Report dated 10/04/2012.
Mandatory One-Year Compliance Date: 10/04/2013
Summary of Required Corrective Action Plans in this Report
Criterion
SE 6
Criterion Title
Determination of transition services
SE 7
Transfer of parental rights at age of majority and student
participation and consent at the age of majority
IEP Team composition and attendance
SE 8
SE 29
SE 32
SE 48
Communications are in English and primary language of
home
Parent advisory council for special education
FAPE (Free, appropriate, public education): Equal
opportunity to participate in educational, nonacademic,
extracurricular and ancillary programs, as well as
participation in regular education
CPR Rating
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Criterion
SE 55
Criterion Title
Special education facilities and classrooms
CR 3
Access to a full range of education programs
CR 7
Information to be translated into languages other than
English
Hiring and employment practices of prospective employers
of students
Student handbooks and codes of conduct
CR 9
CR 10A
CR 16
CR 24
Notice to students 16 or over leaving school without a high
school diploma, certificate of attainment, or certificate of
completion
Accessibility of district programs and services for students
with disabilities
Curriculum review
CR 25
Institutional self-evaluation
CR 22
CPR Rating
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
Partially
Implemented
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 6 Determination of transition services
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
The review of student records and staff interviews revealed that, while the district
discusses the student´s transition needs annually beginning no later than when the
student is 14 years old, and documents the discussion on the Transition Planning Form,
the district does not always include the form in the student's record.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will notify the entire Special Education Staff and Principals of the "partially
Implemented" status in regards to Transition Services. The Special Education director
and supervisor will meet with the Unit leaders to discuss the finding. The Special
Education Director will send out a memo with the attachment “Technical Assistance
Advisory Sped 2013 Postsecondary Goals and Annual IEP Goals in Transition Planning
Process." The Unit Leaders and Special Education Director will provide training with
secondary units on the tenets of the Transition Planning Form, 688 Referral and Adult
Services. The special education director will discuss this with all principals at a Principal
Meeting. This will also be discussed with the PAC, special education secretaries and
Guidance at the Secondary Schools by the Special Education Director.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
06/23/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student records.
Memo to staff dated 10/9/2012.
Unit leader Meetings dated 10/4/2012 and 11/08/2012.
Principal Meeting in November 2012.
PAC Meeting dated 10/16/2012 and 11/26/2012.
Memo dated 10/21/2012 to secondary staff in regards to Technical Assistance Advisory
2013.
Meeting with secretaries in October 2012.
Meetings with Units at Secondary level in November and December 2012.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student Records
The secretary who completes data entry for ESPED will report to the Unit leader if a
Transition Form is not completed and an e-mail will be sent to the teacher liaison.
The Unit Leaders at the secondary level will check ESPED monthly to check for completion
of Transition Planning Forms and report their findings to the teachers and the Special
Education Director.
The Unit leaders and Administrative staff will conduct random file review reviews 4 times
(November, January, March and May) and report findings to the staff.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
SE 6 Determination of transition services
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
Status Date: 11/19/2012
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district states it has developed a procedure designed to ensure that all students
participate in transition planning and that the Transition Planning Forms are placed in
each student's file. The district is proposing a tracking system for monitoring the
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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completion and placement of the forms into student files and, as part of the plan, has
designated the responsible personnel. Additionally, the district has provided an indication
that the information about the requirement and the tracking system has been shared with
appropriate staff via memos and meetings. The district is also proposing to conduct record
reviews to make sure Transition Planning Forms are appropriately completed and placed
in student files, as required.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a description of the newly developed procedure and oversight and tracking
system along with the name(s) and role(s) of responsible staff by February 13, 2013.
Provide evidence that appropriate staff were advised of the newly developed procedure
and tracking system, including copies of memos with recipients listed by name and role,
and meeting agendas with signed attendance sheets including name(s) and role(s) by
February 13, 2013.
Report the results of a review of student records of students 14 years old and older
developed between November 2012, and April 2013, to ensure that the records contain
current, appropriately completed Transition Planning Forms by May 1, 2013. Report the
number of records reviewed, and the number of records in compliance. For any records
not in compliance, determine the root cause(s) of that non-compliance and describe the
district's plan to remedy the non-compliance.
*Please note that when monitoring compliance, the district must maintain the following
documentation and make it available to the Department upon request: a) List of student
names and grade levels for the record review;
b) Date of the review; c) Name of the Person(s) who conducted the review, their role(s),
and signature(s).
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 7 Transfer of parental rights at age of majority and student
Partially Implemented
participation and consent at the age of majority
Department CPR Findings:
The student record review and staff interviews indicated that the district does not always
inform the student and parent one year prior to the student's 18th birthday of the rights
that will transfer to the student from the parent on reaching the age of majority.
Description of Corrective Action:
The Special Education Director will notify the entire Special Education staff and Principals
of the "Partially Implemented" status in regards to Age of Majority. The Special Education
Director and supervisor will meet with the Unit Leaders to discuss the finding. The Special
Education Director with the Unit leaders will provide a training to the Secondary Staff in
regards to this criterion. The Special Educator Director will meet with Principals during a
Principal Meeting. The Special Education Director will discuss this with the PAC,
secretaries in the Special Education Office and Guidance at the Secondary Level.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
06/23/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student Records.
Memo to staff and Principals dated 10/9/2012.
Data from ESPED in regards to the letters that were sent to all students who are
seventeen and will be turning 18 in one year.
Unit leader meetings dated 10/4/2012 and 11/8/2012.
Principals' Meeting dated November 2012.
Meeting with PAC dated 10/16/2012 and November 26, 2012.
Trainings with Secondary Special Education Teachers in November and December.
Meeting with secretaries dated October 2012.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student Records.
The Secretary that completes the task of sending out the Age of Majority Letters to
students a year in advance will provide the Director of Special Education and the staff the
list of students who are turning 18 a year prior to their birthdates.
The Special Education Office will send the letter with an attached self-addressed envelope
for the return of the form. The information will be provided to all liaisons on the decision
that the student and parent made in regards to transfer of rights.
The Unit leaders and Administrative Staff will conduct random file reviews 4 times
(November, January, March and May) and report the findings.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
SE 7 Transfer of parental rights at age of
Status Date: 11/29/2012
majority and student participation and
consent at the age of majority
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district states it has developed a procedure to ensure that all students and their
parents are notified one year prior to the student's 18th birthday of the rights that will
transfer to the student from the parent on reaching the age of majority. The district is
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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proposing a tracking system for monitoring the provision of this information to students
and parents, and as part of the plan, has designated the responsible personnel.
Additionally, the district has stated that the information about the requirement and the
tracking system has been shared with appropriate staff. The district is also proposing to
conduct record reviews to ensure that all students and their parents have been
appropriately informed, as required.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a description of the newly developed procedure for ensuring that all students and
their parents are notified one year prior to the student's 18th birthday of the rights that
will transfer to the student from the parent on reaching the age of majority. Provide a
description of the tracking and oversight system along with the name(s) and role(s) of
responsible staff. In addition, provide evidence of training for appropriate staff on the new
procedure as well as the oversight and tracking system including agendas and signed-in
sheets with the name(s) and role(s) of the staff who attended by February 13, 2013.
Report the results of a review of the records of students due to turn 18 within a year
between October 2012, and April 2013, to ensure that all such records contain evidence
that the student and parent were notified one year prior to the student's 18th birthday of
the rights that transfer to the student from the parent on reaching the age of majority.
Report the number of records reviewed, and the number of records in compliance. For any
records not in compliance, determine the root cause(s) of that non-compliance and
describe the district's plan to remedy the non-compliance by May 1, 2013.
*Please note that when monitoring compliance, the district must maintain the following
documentation and make it available to the Department upon request: a) List of student
names and grade levels for the record review; b) Date of the review; c) Name of the
Person(s) who conducted the review, their role(s), and signature(s).
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 8 IEP Team composition and attendance
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
The student record review and staff interviews indicated that at the high school level,
regular education teachers do not consistently attend IEP Team meetings when required
and the district did not follow the excusal process for required IEP Team members.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will notify the entire Special Education Staff and Principals of the "partially
Implemented" status in regards to "IEP Team Composition and Attendance". The Special
Education Director and Supervisor will meet with Unit leaders to discuss the finding. The
Special Education Director and Unit leaders will provide a training with secondary special
education teachers and Guidance in regards to this criterion and the excusal letter if a
general education staff is not in attendance. The Special Education Director will review
this criterion with all Principals at a
Principal Meeting in November 2012. The Special Education Director will discuss this with
the PAC in October and 2012. The Special Education Director and Supervisor will meet
with all secretaries in October 2012 to review the findings.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
06/23/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student Records
Memo to staff and Principals dated 10/9/2012.
Unit leaders Meetings dated 10/4/12 and 11/8/2012.
Criterion and Excusal Letter.
Secondary Trainings dated November and December for Special Education Staff and
Guidance.
Principals Meeting dated November 2012.
PAC Meetings dated 11/16/12 and 11/26/12.
Secretaries Meeting/Special Education dated October 2012.
Random File Reviews / Findings
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student records.
The Unit Leaders and Administrative Staff will conduct random file reviews 4 times
(November, January, March and May) and report the findings.
The secretary that completes data entry for ESPED will report when the attendance sheet
does not indicate a general education staff and if there is not an excusal letter to the
Special Education Director and Unit Leader. An e-mail will be sent to the liaison and
copied to the Unit leader and principal.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
SE 8 IEP Team composition and
Status Date: 11/19/2012
attendance
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district states it will provide training to special education teachers and guidance and
review with principals, the requirement that a regular education teacher must be in
attendance at Team meetings, if the student may be, or is, involved in a regular
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education program. Additionally, the district will provide training and review to that same
staff regarding the requirement that if a required staff member cannot attend the Team
meeting, the district and the parent agree, in writing, to excuse a required Team
member´s participation and the excused member provides written input into the
development of the IEP to the parent and the IEP team prior to the meeting.
Unit leaders and administrative staff will monitor attendance sheets to ensure compliance.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide evidence of training and review of the requirement that a regular education
teacher must be in attendance at Team meetings, if the student may be, or is, involved in
a regular education program, as well as the requirement that if a required staff member
cannot attend the Team meeting, the district and the parent agree, in writing, to excuse a
required Team member´s participation and the excused member provides written input
into the development of the IEP to the parent and the IEP Team prior to the meeting.
Include agenda, attendance sheets with name, signature, and role. Additionally, provide a
description of the tracking and oversight system along with the name(s) and role(s) of
responsible staff by February 13, 2013.
Report the results of a review of IEPs developed between October 2012, and April 2013,
to ensure that all such records contain evidence that required members attended Team
meetings unless the district and the parent agree, in writing, to excuse a required Team
member´s participation and the excused member provides written input into the
development of the IEP to the parent and the IEP team prior to the meeting. Report the
number of records reviewed, and the number of records in compliance. For any records
not in compliance, determine the root cause(s) of that non-compliance and describe the
district's plan to remedy the non-compliance by May 1, 2013.
*Please note that when monitoring compliance, the district must maintain the following
documentation and make it available to the Department upon request: a) List of student
names and grade levels for the record review;
b) Date of the review; c) Name of the Person(s) who conducted the review, their role(s),
and signature(s).
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 29 Communications are in English and primary language of
Partially Implemented
home
Department CPR Findings:
Student record review and staff interviews indicated that communications are not always
provided in both English and the primary language of the home if such primary language
is other than English.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will notify the entire Special Education Staff and Principals of the "Partially
Implemented" status in regards to "Communications are in English and primary language
of home". The Special Education Director and supervisor will meet with the unit leaders
to discuss the finding. The Special Education Director will discuss this with all principals
at a Principal Meeting. The Special Education will discuss this with the PAC. The Special
Education Director and supervisor will discuss this with all the Special Education
secretaries in the Special Education office. Trainings will be scheduled with all staff to
review this procedure and the ESPED application that the department has for translating
IEP's and all required documentation as well as if an Interpreter is needed for a meeting,
staff need to notify the ELL Coordinator and if an ASL Interpreter is needed, staff need to
notify Constance St. John in the Special Education Office. When IEP's and documentation
needs to be translated, staff need to notify Lee Steele since she is the staff that has the
administration rights to contact ESPED. The Special Education Director and Supervisor will
meet with ELL Coordinator to explain the ESPED Application for translations.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
06/23/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student Records
ESPED Billing for Translation Application
List of requests by staff for translations.
Memo to staff and principals dated 10/9/2012.
Principals Meeting dated November 2012.
PAC Meeting dated October 16, 2012.
Meeting with secretaries dated October 2012.
Trainings with staff dated November and December 2012.
Meeting with ELL Coordinator.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student Records
The Unit Leaders and Administrative Staff will conduct random file review 4 times
(November, January, March and May) and report the findings to staff and principals.
Lee Steele is the point person for having the translations completed in ESPED.
The secretary who completes data entry for ESPED will report when the documentation is
not translated to Lee Steele/Supervisor.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
SE 29 Communications are in English and
Status Date: 11/29/2012
primary language of home
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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The district stated it will update its procedures for providing communications in both
English and the primary language of the home, if such primary language is other than
English, and will provide training on those updated procedures and the ESPED applications
for appropriate staff. The district will develop a tracking and oversight system with
assigned personnel to identify appropriate students and ensure that translations of IEPs
and Notice of School District Action forms (N1s) are provided in the language of the home
to those students and their parents.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a description of the newly developed procedures for ensuring that the parents and
guardians of students whose primary home language is other than English receive IEPs
and N1s notices in English and the language of the home, along with evidence of training
provided on those procedures for appropriate staff including agendas and signed
attendance logs with name and role. In addition, provide a description of the new tracking
and oversight system along with the name(s) and role(s) of responsible staff by February
13, 2013
Submit the results of a review of the records of students whose primary home language is
other than English containing IEPs and N1 letters developed between November 2012,
and April 2013. Report the number of records reviewed, and the number of records in
compliance. For any records not in compliance, report the root causes for that noncompliance and the district's plan to remedy the non-compliance by May 1, 2013.
*Please note that when monitoring compliance, the district must maintain the following
documentation and make it available to the Department upon request: a) List of student
names and grade levels for the record review;
b) Date of the review; c) Name of the Person(s) who conducted the review, their role(s),
and signature(s).
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 32 Parent advisory council for special education
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
Staff interviews and the document review indicated that while the district conducts at
least one workshop annually within the district on the rights of students and their parents
under the state and federal special education laws, there is no district-wide parent
advisory council (PAC) with officers and established bylaws.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will notify the entire Special Education Staff and Principals of the "Partially
Implemented" status in regards to "Parent Advisory Council for Special Education". The
Special Education Director and Supervisor will meet with the unit leaders to discuss the
finding. The Unit Leaders will review this finding with their Units and ask to recommend a
couple of parents that they feel would want to be part of a PAC. The Special Education
Director will discuss this with all principals at a Principal meeting. The Special Education
Director and supervisor will discuss this will all secretaries in special education office. A
flyer will be sent home to all Special Education students announcing the first PAC Meeting
for October 16, 2012 to discuss "Parent Rights". The flyer will also explain what a PAC is
and the need for a PAC. The Special Education Director will reach out to parents that
names were given to me from Unit leaders as well as additional parents by phone and email on October 3, 2012 inviting them personally to a PAC meeting for October 16, 2012.
At the PAC meeting on Oct. 16th, Parent Rights will be reviewed as well as discussing a
PAC and giving them information from the Department of Education on the description of
a PAC and the tenets of a PAC. A meeting will be scheduled for November 26, 2012 to
further brainstorm about their vision of a PAC and daycare will be provided in hopes to
attract additional parents. Pizza will also be served. Additional meetings will be scheduled
from the Nov. 26th meeting.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
06/23/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Memo to staff and principals dated 10/9/2012.
Unit leaders meetings dated 10/4/2012 and 11/8/2012.
Meeting with secretaries in October to review that flyers of PAC meeting need to be sent
out with all mailings from Special Ed. Office.
Flyer that was sent home to parents regarding Oct. 16th meeting.
List of phone calls and emails that were sent by Stephanie Case on October 3, 2012.
PAC Meeting attendance and Agenda for October 16, 2012.
Information that was provided to parents on 10/16/2012(Parent Rights and PAC
information)
E-mail that was sent to parents after the Oct. 16th meeting from Stephanie Case.
Flyer that was sent to parents in regards to Nov. 26, 2012 meeting.
Principals Meeting dated November 2012.
E-mail sent to parents that attended on Oct. 16, 2012 to remind them of meeting on Nov.
26th.
PAC Meeting attendance and agenda for Nov. 26, 2012.
PAC Meeting additional attendances and agendas.
Officers and By-Laws established.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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On-going distributions of flyers regarding PAC Meetings.
On-going conversations with parents in regards to recruitment of members for Parent
Advisory Council.
On-going dialogue with Unit leaders in regards to giving names of parents for the Special
Education Director to personally reach out to.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
SE 32 Parent advisory council for special
Status Date: 11/29/2012
education
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district provided its plan to reach out more aggressively to parents in order to
develop a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC), and to document such efforts.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Submit documentation of the district's efforts to develop a PAC, including letters, flyers,
telephone logs, meeting notes, meeting agendas, and sign-in sheets by February 2, 2013.
Provide an update documenting any further efforts to create a PAC, and any evidence of
an operating PAC including names of PAC officers and a copy of Bylaws by May 1, 2013
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 48 FAPE (Free, appropriate, public education): Equal
Partially Implemented
opportunity to participate in educational, nonacademic,
extracurricular and ancillary programs, as well as participation in
regular education
Department CPR Findings:
See CVTE 5.
Description of Corrective Action:
The District is implementing the Career Exploratory Program Policy and the students will
have access to a program of their choice that is available. This will provide a level playing
field for all students who have participated in Careers. The CVTE Admission Policy that
was approved by the School Committee and DESE in 2008 will be fully implemented. The
Assistant Superintendent for Vocational, Workforce and College Readiness Programs and
the Business Manager in Pittsfield are exploring options for wheelchair accessibility for
Automotive Technology and the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Programs.
The Assistant Superintendent for Vocational is ensuring that all programs are addressing
the frameworks and the students are being assessed with Vocational Competency
Tracking.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
Frank Cote
10/04/2013
Tracy Crowe
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student registrations for Career Exploratory.
Student files.
Data from Vocational Competency Tracking.
Documentation in regards to options for wheelchair accessibility and the plan for
accessibility.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student files.
Scheduled meetings with principals, Guidance and CVTE and Special Education.
See CVTE 5
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
SE 48 FAPE (Free, appropriate, public education):
Equal opportunity to participate in educational,
nonacademic, extracurricular and ancillary programs,
as well as participation in regular education
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
Corrective Action Plan Status:
Approved
Status Date: 11/29/2012
Department Order of Corrective Action:
See CVTE 5
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
See CVTE 5
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
SE 55 Special education facilities and classrooms
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
Staff interviews and facility observations indicated that five sub-separate classrooms
located on the first floor at the Crosby School are clustered together representing
students from kindergarten through fifth grade and do not maximize the inclusion of the
students into the life of the school. Three classrooms designated for the Adolescent
Support Program at Pittsfield High School are clustered together, and at Taconic High
School, there are three resource rooms clustered together at one end of a hallway.
Placement of these special education classrooms does not maximize the inclusion of the
students into the life of the school.
In addition, some special education spaces at Pittsfield High School, Taconic High School,
Crosby Elementary School, and Conte Elementary School were identified by signs or other
means that might stigmatize special education students.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will make changes in the clustering of classes at Crosby, ASP/PHS and Taconic
High School to maximize the inclusion of students into the life of the school. The Special
Education Director will discuss this finding in Executive Meeting and the clustering and to
discuss increasing Inclusion in all schools throughout the district. The Special Education
Director ad supervisor will meet with the principals to discuss clustering and the impact it
has on Inclusion and a discussion on increasing the district's inclusion percentage to
increase student performance and to utilize the district's resources to its fullest. The
special education administrative staff will do The issue of the signage will also be part of
the discussion and the special education director and supervisor will do walk through with
the principals to make a list of changes in clustering and signage. The Special Ed director
will give the Business Office the list for documentation in case there needs to be a work
order implemented to deal with issue.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Floor plans.
Walk through in Crosby, ASP/PHS and THS for changes in clustering.
Walk through in all 12 buildings for changes in signage.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
The Special Education Department will schedule four meetings with each school to ensure
walk-through and changes in criteria not being implemented.
The Special Education Director will give the Executive Team an update on this finding on a
monthly base beginning in November 2012.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
SE 55 Special education facilities and
Status Date: 11/29/2012
classrooms
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district has indicated it will make the changes required at Crosby School, Pittsfield
High School, and Taconic High School to maximize the inclusion of identified students into
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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the life of the schools. The district also indicated that it will eliminate inappropriate
signage and that special education administrative staff will meet with principals to discuss
increasing inclusion and will conduct walk-through in schools to ensure that inclusion is
maximized for such students.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide copies of floorplans detailing the new locations of the identified classroom(s) for
each school (Crosby, Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School). In addition provide
a list of the changes made for special education spaces at Pittsfield High School, Taconic
High School, Crosby Elementary School, and Conte Elementary School where spaces were
identified by signs or other means that might stigmatize special education students by
February 13, 2013.
Provide the date that has been arranged with the Department to conduct an onsite
verification visit by May 1, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
15
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 3 Access to a full range of education programs
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
See CVTE 5.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district is implementing the Career Exploratory Policy and the students will have
access to a program of their choice that is available. This will provide a level playing field
for all students who have participated in Careers. The CVTE Admission Policy that was
approved by the School Committee and DESe in 2008 will be fully implemented. The
Assistant Superintendent for Vocational, Workforce and College Readiness Programs and
the Business Manager in Pittsfield are exploring options for wheelchair accessibility for
Automotive Technology and the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Programs.
The Assistant Superintendent for Vocational is ensuring that all programs are addressing
the frameworks and the students are being assessed with Vocational Competency
Tracking which the district has in place.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
Stephanie Case
10/04/2013
Frank Cote
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student Registrations for Career Exploratory.
Student files.
Data from Vocational Competency Tracking.
Documentation in regards to options for wheelchair accessibility and the plan for
accessibility.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student files.
Scheduled meetings with principals, CVTE and Special Education.
See CVTE 5.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
CR 3 Access to a full range of education
Status Date: 11/29/2012
programs
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
See CVTE 5
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
See CVTE 5
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
16
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 7 Information to be translated into languages other than
Partially Implemented
English
Department CPR Findings:
While the district translates handbooks into the major language spoken in the district,
document review and staff interviews indicated that school or program recruitment and
promotional materials being disseminated to residents in the area served by the school
are not consistently translated into the major languages spoken by residents with limited
English skills.
Description of Corrective Action:
The Deputy Superintendent will meet with the principals and discuss the finding of
"Information to be translated into languages other than English" at a principal meeting in
November. The principals will create a list of program recruitment and promotional
materials that are disseminated to residents. The Deputy Superintendent will discuss this
with the ELL Coordinator to generate a timeline into when these materials need to be
translated by so that they can be disseminated with all the materials that are sent out in
English. The ELL Coordinator will provide data in regards to parents that have limited
English skills and so need translations.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Attendance sheet of Principals meeting in November.
Meeting with ELL Coordinator in December.
Special Education Director will create a Timeline/Checklist to assist in monitoring the CR
criterion.
List of parents with limited English Skills.
List of languages that are spoken within the district.
List of materials that need to be translated.
List of translators that the district utilizes.
Copies of materials that are translated.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
The district will utilize Timeline/Checklist to ensure that all CR criteria are being
implemented throughout the district with persons responsible for implementing the
compliance of the criterion. The Deputy Superintendent, principals and ELL Coordinator
will be responsible for this criterion.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
CR 7 Information to be translated into
Status Date: 11/29/2012
languages other than English
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district states that it will create a list of recruitment and promotional materials that
are made available to residents and will generate procedures and timelines to ensure that
these materials will be sent out concurrently with all the materials that are sent out in
English, in the major languages spoken by residents with limited English. skills
Department Order of Corrective Action:
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
17
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a list of the major languages spoken in the district. Submit a description of the
newly generated procedure, including a description of the monitoring and oversight
process and the names of the staff responsible for such oversight, for ensuring that
recruitment and promotional materials being disseminated to residents in the area served
by the school are consistently translated into the major languages spoken by residents
with limited English skills and provided to those residents by February 13, 2013.
Provide samples of the translated promotional and recruitment materials by May 1, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
18
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 9 Hiring and employment practices of prospective employers
Partially Implemented
of students
Department CPR Findings:
Document review and staff interviews indicated that the work site agreement signed by
employers does not state that the employer will comply with all applicable federal and
state laws prohibiting discrimination in hiring practices.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will amend the work site agreement signed by employers to state that the
employer will comply with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination
in hiring practices in the following categories of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap,
religion and sexual orientation.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Copy of amended work site agreement.
Copy of Timeline/checklist that will be created by the Special Education Director to assist
the district in monitoring all CR criterion.
Personnel Records of new hires.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Personnel Records.
Copy of the letter will be given to the Deputy Superintendent by the HR Director each
Spring to ensure that the letter is in compliance with the criterion with the criterion. This
letter will be included in the checklist/ timeline that will be created to monitor all CR
criterion.
The Timeline / Checklist will be reviewed at each Executive Meeting held by the
Superintendent.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
CR 9 Hiring and employment practices of
Status Date: 11/29/2012
prospective employers of students
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district indicates that it will amend the work site agreement signed by employers of
students to state that "the employer complies with all applicable federal and state laws
prohibiting discrimination in hiring or employment practices".
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a copy of the newly developed work site agreement form, along with copies of the
form signed between September 2012, and April 2013, by work site employers of
students by May 1, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
19
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 10A Student handbooks and codes of conduct
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
Student handbooks do not consistently reference M.G.L. c. 76, s.5 and do not contain a
nondiscrimination policy that is consistent with M.G.L. c. 76, s. 5 and affirms the district's
non-tolerance for harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or sexual
orientation, or discrimination on those same bases.
Description of Corrective Action:
The Deputy Superintendent will meet with the Principals to review the student handbook
to ensure that the handbook contains all the necessary elements. The handbook will
include the code of conduct for students and teachers. Students’ code of conduct will
include procedures assuring due process in disciplinary proceedings and the appropriate
procedures for discipline of students with special needs and students with Section 504
Accommodation Plans. Student handbooks will reference M.G.L. c. 76, s.5 and contain
nondiscrimination policy that is consistent with M.G.L. c. 76, s. 5, and affirms the school's
non-tolerance for harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or sexual
orientation, gender identity or discrimination on those same bases;
the school's procedure for accepting, investigating and resolving complaints alleging
discrimination or harassment; and the disciplinary measures that the school may impose
if it determines that harassment or discrimination has occurred.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Revised Non-Discrimination Policy to include "Gender Identity".
Attendance and Agenda of Policy Sub-committee.
Copy of School committee Agenda when the revised policy is accepted.
Student Handbooks.
Proof of Distribution of handbook to students, parents and school personnel by the
principals.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Timeline/Checklist will include this criterion and the Handbook will be reviewed in the
Spring by the principals, coordinators and directors so that the handbook will be ready for
annual distribution in September.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
CR 10A Student handbooks and codes of
Status Date: 11/29/2012
conduct
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district indicates it will update the student handbook to reference M.G.L. c. 76, s.5
and contain nondiscrimination policy that is consistent with M.G.L. c. 76, s. 5, and affirms
the school's non-tolerance for harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, or sexual orientation, gender identity or discrimination on those same bases.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a copy of the relevant, revised handbook that includes a to reference M.G.L. c.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
20
76, s.5 and contains nondiscrimination policy that is consistent with M.G.L. c. 76, s. 5,
and affirms the school's non-tolerance for harassment based on race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, or sexual orientation, gender identity or discrimination on those same
bases by February 13, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
21
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 16 Notice to students 16 or over leaving school without a
Partially Implemented
high school diploma, certificate of attainment, or certificate of
completion
Department CPR Findings:
While the district provides appropriate written notice to students age 16 and over within
ten days from a student's fifteenth consecutive unexcused absence in English and in the
family's native language, the district does not send annual written notice to former
students who have not yet earned their competency determination and who have not
transferred to another school to inform them of the availability of publicly funded posthigh school academic support programs and to encourage them to participate in those
programs.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will construct an annual written notice to former students who have not yet
earned their competency determination and who have not transferred to another school to
inform them of the availability of publicly funded post-high school academic support
programs to encourage them to participate in those programs. The district will send
annual written notice by first class to the last known address of each student who
attended a high school program in the district within the past two years.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Attendance and Agenda of meeting with principals and administrative staff in November
2012.
Attendance of meeting with Guidance Counselors at each high school in December 2012.
Copy of written notice that will be created by Tammy Gage.
List of post-high school academic support programs.
List of students that have not earned their competency determination in the past two
years.
Attendance of Meetings that Special Education Director will have in November 2012 and
December 2012 with secondary Special Education Staff where this criterion will be
discussed.
Copies of written notice that are sent to students who have not yet earned competency
determination.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Tracy Crowe, Tammy Gage, Principals at THS and PHS and Stephanie Case will monitor
this criterion.
This will be added to Timeline/Checklist that will be created to monitor compliance of CR
Criterion. This will be reviewed each year and letters will be sent out in the Spring to
students who have left without a high school diploma, certificate attainment or certificate
of completion.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
CR 16 Notice to students 16 or over
leaving school without a high school
diploma, certificate of attainment, or
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
Status Date: 11/29/2012
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
22
certificate of completion
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district indicates it will develop a letter of written notice to provide annually to former
students, who have not yet earned their competency determination and who have not
transferred to another school, to inform them of the availability of publicly funded posthigh school academic support programs and to encourage them to participate in those
programs. The district states it will send this annual written notice by first class to the last
known address of each such student who attended a high school program in the district
within the past two years.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a copy of the signed attendance logs and agendas for meetings concerning this
issue held with appropriate staff in November and December of 2012 by February 13,
2013.
Submit a copy of the annual written notice to former students who have not yet earned
their competency determination and who have not transferred to another school to inform
them of the availability of publicly funded post-high school academic support programs to
encourage them to participate in those programs by February 13, 2013.
Provide a copy of the log of the names of those students to whom the district has sent the
annual written notice between September 2012, and April 2013, by May 1, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
23
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 22 Accessibility of district programs and services for students Partially Implemented
with disabilities
Department CPR Findings:
See CVTE 5.
Description of Corrective Action:
The District is implementing the Career Exploratory Program Policy and the students will
have access to a program of their choice that is available. This will provide a level playing
field for all students who have participated in Careers. The CVTE Admission Policy that
was approved by the School Committee and DESE in 2008 will be fully implemented. The
Assistant Superintendent for Vocational, Workforce and College Readiness Programs and
the Business Manager in Pittsfield are exploring options for wheelchair accessibility for
Automotive Technology and the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Programs.
The Assistant Superintendent for Vocational is ensuring that all programs are addressing
the frameworks and the students are being assessed with Vocational Competency
Tracking.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Stephanie Case
Completion:
Frank Cote
10/04/2013
Tracy Crowe
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Student registrations for Career Exploratory.
Student files.
Data from Vocational Competency Tracking.
Documentation in regards to options for wheelchair accessibility and the plan for
accessibility.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Student files.
Scheduled meetings with principals, Guidance and CVTE and Special Education.
See CVTE 5
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
CR 22 Accessibility of district programs
Status Date: 11/29/2012
and services for students with disabilities
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
See CVTE 5
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
See CVTE 5
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
24
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 24 Curriculum review
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
According to staff interviews and the document review, the district does not have a
process to ensure that individual teachers in the district review all educational materials
for simplistic and demeaning generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of
race, color, sex, religion, national origin and sexual orientation, and provide appropriate
activities, discussions and/or supplementary materials to provide balance and context for
any such stereotypes depicted in such materials.
Description of Corrective Action:
The district will establish a document that staff teachers need to review and sign to
ensure that they have reviewed all educational materials for simplistic and demeaning
generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, gender
identification, national origin and sexual orientation, and that they provide appropriate
activities, discussions and/or supplementary materials to provide balance and context for
any stereotypes depicted in such materials. This will be discussed at
Principals/Curriculum Coordinators meeting in November. This will be discussed at
Department Head Meetings a the High School and Team Leader Meetings at the Middle
School.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Copy of document to address CR 24 for teachers to sign.
Attendance and Agenda from Principals/Curriculum Coordinators Meeting in November.
Attendance of Department Head Meetings at the high school level to document that
discussion was held with teachers.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Principals and Curriculum Coordinators will monitor this criterion.
Copies of signed document by teachers addressing this criterion will be collected by
Principals.
This criterion will be added to Timeline /Checklist that will be created by Special Education
Director with the copy of the document. The Timeline/ Checklist will be a monitoring tool
that the Deputy Superintendent will use monitor the compliance of CR Criterion with
principals and administrative staff.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
CR 24 Curriculum review
Corrective Action Plan Status: Partially
Approved
Status Date: 11/29/2012
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district states it will develop a document that staff and teachers need to review and
sign to ensure that they have reviewed all educational materials for simplistic and
demeaning generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of race, color, sex,
religion, gender identification, national origin and sexual orientation. This form and the
requirements will be shared with principals and curriculum coordinators at the Nov. mtg,
and then shared with department heads at the High School and team leaders at the
middle school level. Principals and curriculum coordinators will be responsible for
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
25
monitoring compliance with the new procedure at the building level. The Deputy
Superintendent is responsible for monitoring compliance at the district level.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
The district must also share the newly developed document and the requirements
surrounding it with teachers at the elementary level to ensure that all individual teachers
in the district review all educational materials for simplistic and demeaning
generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, gender
identification, national origin and sexual orientation. Appropriate activities, discussions
and/or supplementary materials are used to provide balance and context for any such
stereotypes depicted in such materials.
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Provide a copy of the document developed that staff and teachers need to review and sign
to ensure that they have reviewed all educational materials for simplistic and demeaning
generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, gender
identification, national origin and sexual orientation, along with evidence that it was
shared with all staff by February 13, 2013.
Report the results of a review at each building, elementary through high school, to ensure
that individual teachers were involved in the review all educational materials for simplistic
and demeaning generalizations, lacking intellectual merit, on the basis of race, color, sex,
religion, gender identification, national origin and sexual orientation. For any noncompliance found, determine the root of the non-compliance and describe the district's
plan to remedy that non-compliance by May 1, 2013
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
Criterion & Topic:
CPR Rating:
CR 25 Institutional self-evaluation
Partially Implemented
Department CPR Findings:
Staff interviews and documentation review indicated that the district does not evaluate all
aspects of its K-12 program annually to ensure that all students, regardless of race, color,
sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or
housing status, have equal access to all programs, including athletics and other
extracurricular activities.
Description of Corrective Action:
Pittsfield Public Schools will conduct a self-evaluation to ensure that all students,
regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual
orientation, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs, including
athletics and other extracurricular activities. A self-evaluation/checklist instrument will be
devised for this purpose and administered to staff.
Title/Role(s) of responsible Persons:
Expected Date of
Tracy Crowe
Completion:
Stephanie Case
10/04/2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action:
Self-evaluation designed/distributed to principals.
Self-evaluation completed by final faculty meeting of year (June 2013)
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
26
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
Principal Meeting Agenda
Folders of completed self-evaluation results to be kept in the Deputy Superintendent's
Office.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
Criterion:
CR 25 Institutional self-evaluation
Corrective Action Plan Status: Approved
Status Date: 11/29/2012
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The district intends to develop a self-evaluation checklist/instrument and conduct a selfevaluation, and administer it to staff, to ensure that all students, regardless of race, color,
sex, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, gender
identity, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs, including
athletics and other extracurricular activities.
Department Order of Corrective Action:
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Submit a copy of the newly developed checklist/instrument developed to administer to
staff to ensure that all students, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or housing
status, have equal access to all programs, including athletics and other extracurricular
activities by February 13, 2013.
Submit a summary of the findings, including a description of any changes made based on
those findings by May 1, 2013.
Progress Report Due Date(s):
02/13/2013
05/01/2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
27
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
District: Pittsfield Public Schools
Corrective Action Plan Review
Program Area: English Learner Education
Prepared by: Pittsfield Public Schools/Virginia Guglielmo, ELL Coordinator
CAP Form will expand to as many lines as necessary. Before completing and emailing to
pqacap@doe.mass.edu, please see separate Instructions for Completing Corrective Action Plans.
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: ELE 5
Program Placement and Structure
Department CPR Finding:
Rating: Partially Implemented
Documentation reviewed did not include evidence of an ESL curriculum. However, the district
reported that content area teachers had begun to transition into the ESL WIDA (World-Class
Instructional Design and Assessment) and had begun to align the WIDA Standards to the Common
Core Standards. The district also reported that until the transition phase to the WIDA standards is
completed, content teachers in middle and high schools will continue integrating the ELPBO
(English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes) into their curriculum (Avenues for the
elementary grades, Inside for the middle grades, and Edge at the high school level).
Documentation reviewed indicated that the district is aware of the Department’s new regulations
concerning the curriculum. The district should note that their corrective action plan (CAP) may be
affected by the change.
Please refer to: http://www.doe.mass.edu/rettell/ for more information.
According to documentation submitted on Title III form 8, all English language learners are provided
with hours of ESL instruction that are consistent with Department guidance.
Please see ELE 15 for comments on Professional Development Requirements.
The Department concluded that the district does not have a fully implemented SEI Program as
required by Chapter 71A. Although many content area teachers instructing ELLs have completed all
SEI Category Training not all teachers instructing ELLs have done so.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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Narrative Description of Corrective Action:
1. The district has sent PPS representatives to WIDA curriculum training of trainers and has
provided comprehensive WIDA trainings to classroom and content teachers in an effort to align
the content curriculum to WIDA standards.
2. The district has begun the process of developing and ELL curriculum that is aligned with WIDA.
3. Per the May 2012 DESE memo (please see bolded excerpt in quotations), the district began the
transition to WIDA during our CPR year and continues to make a full transition to WIDA and the
integration of WIDA standards into the curriculum: “Beginning immediately, we are asking districts
that are in the progress report phase to postpone plans for curriculum development that is aligned
with the English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes (ELPBO) in light of the planned
implementation of WIDA. The implementation of WIDA will include new English language
proficiency standards to which the curricula of schools should be aligned in order to comply with
Title III requirements.”
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Virginia Guglielmo, ELL
Corrective Action Activity: SY 2013-2014
Coordinator
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: WIDA PD syllabi, curriculum documents, agenda of
ELL teacher WIDA curriculum meetings
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: ELL Coordinator will meet with ELL teachers on a bi
weekly basis to ensure progress and fidelity of implementation/ continued development of ELL
curriculum.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: ELE 5
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The Department approves the district's plan and recognizes that integrating WIDA ELD standards into
both content area and ESL curricula requires time and strategic planning. No further submission is
required at this time.
Department Order of Corrective Action: N/A
Required Elements of Progress Report(s): None required.
Progress Report Due Date(s): N/A
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: ELE 9 Instructional
Grouping
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding: The district did not specify if English language learners are grouped to
receive ESL instruction, and if so, the criteria used to form the groups.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
29
Narrative Description of Corrective Action:
1. ELE 9 requires the submission of SEI Program Description forms. An option for Title III districts is
to check the box and have the ESE use the forms submitted for Title III: “The district should
check the box below if instead of filling out the table below, it wishes ESE to use the SEI
program description submitted as part of the district’s Title III application.”
2. Although the box was checked, we were informed in the draft report that ELE 9 was partially
implemented. After speaking with Gabriela Garcia, she informed the district that the regulations
changed and our district needed to submit a spreadsheet with student names and a breakdown of
instructional levels/classes. Ms. Garcia also indicated that the district was also required to re-submit
completed versions the SEI program description forms since, according to Ms. Garcia, the Title III
documents are no longer being accepted.
3. The district submitted these documents within the appropriate timeframe, only to find out that Ms.
Garcia left the DESE. Due to many transitions in the DESE, the documents were not then
forwarded to the individual(s) responsible for reviewing them and ultimately resulted in a partially
implemented rating for ELE 9.After a discussion with Ms. Sibel Hughes, it was determined that
there was a DESE communication error and the district should re-submit the documents with the
CAP and ELE 9 will be resolved with no progress report requirement or further follow up needed.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Virginia Guglielmo, ELL
Corrective Action Activity: 9/25/2013
Coordinator
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Attached please find the ELE 9 spreadsheet
indicating instructional groupings along with a detailed completion of the SEI Program Description. In
addition, please find the emails to Gabriela Garcia and other DESE representatives within the draft
submission deadline in an effort to resolve ELE 9 before the final draft.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: N/A
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: ELE 9
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The documentation submitted indicates that the criteria used to form instructional grouping is
consistent with Department guidelines.
Department Order of Corrective Action: N/A
Required Elements of Progress Report(s): None required.
Progress Report Due Date(s): No further progress reporting is required.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
30
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: ELE 15
Rating: Partially Implemented
Professional Development Requirements
Department CPR Finding:
Documentation indicated that the district developed a multi-year SEI training plan and has been
training teachers for several years since 2007-08 to 2011-12.
According to Title III, form 8, and other documentation reviewed, the district has several teacher
who have completed four (29) of the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Training Categories as well
as several who have completed three (38 teachers), two (24 teachers) and one (15 teachers) of the
SEI Training Categories, However, not all content area teachers have completed the required SEI
training.
The district should note that the Department’s regulations concerning SEI professional development
requirements have changed. Please refer to: http://www.doe.mass.edu/retell/ for more information.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The district has exceeded the number of teachers to be
trained in RETELL. The district also has two in district staff members who are trained to lead the
RETELL courses (Virginia Guglielmo, ELL Coordinator and Erin Lenski, ELL teacher).
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Virginia Guglielmo, ELL
Corrective Action Activity: RETELL Cohort 2
Coordinator
district: SY 2013-SY 2016
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: RETELL spreadsheet
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Periodic review of RETELL rosters and course
schedules. Periodic review of roster of teachers who complete the RETELL courses throughout the
school year.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: ELE 15
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval:
The Department accepts the district’s plan to ensure that all core academic teachers with ELLs and
administrators that supervise core academic teachers of ELLs are endorsed. No further submission is
required at this time.
Department Order of Corrective Action: N/A
Required Elements of Progress Report(s): None required.
Progress Report Due Date(s): N/A
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
District: Pittsfield Public Schools
Corrective Action Plan Review
Program Area: Career/Vocational Technical Education
Prepared by: Pittsfield Public Schools/Frank K. Cote
CAP Form will expand to as many lines as necessary. Before completing and emailing to
pqacap@doe.mass.edu, please see separate Instructions for Completing Corrective Action Plans.
All corrective action must be fully implemented and all noncompliance corrected as soon as
possible and no later than one year from the issuance of the Coordinated Program Review Final
Report to the school or district.
Mandatory One-Year Compliance Date: September 30, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 1
Career guidance and placement services, including
career assessments and assistance with the development
of a four-year career plan, are provided in order to assist
each student enrolled in a career/vocational technical
education program in making the transition to the
workforce, postsecondary education, and/or
apprenticeship programs.
Vocational Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR
4.03(4(d), Perkins Section 135
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
Staff interviews and a review of documentation indicated that career assessments are completed at
Taconic High School; however, there was no evidence of a process to utilize these assessments in the
development of a four year plan or to provide guidance in the selection of a career/vocational
technical education program. Career assessments are not conducted for all career/vocational
technical education students at Pittsfield High School, nor is there evidence of a process to utilize any
assessments. There is no evidence that a four year career plan is in place for any students enrolled in
career/vocational technical education programs at either Taconic High School or Pittsfield High
School.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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Narrative Description of Corrective Action: All grade 9 students will be registered to Mass CIS this
year and every year and initiate a formal Career Plan as follows: The Community Placement Specialist
will be going into Freshmen shop classes and with the assistance of the teacher will be implementing
the Career Choices curriculum to help with employability skills. School counselors have developed a
written High School Graduation Plan in compliance with the RTTT initiative for grades (9-12) that
outlines graduation requirements, career pathways, MCAS, MassCore, and EPPs. The plan includes a
four-year rubric to encourage students to establish their goals, pathway for graduation and post
secondary planning. The plan will be updated yearly via School Counselors with each student in
individual meetings during the spring. THS/PHS School Counseling Departments will be utilizing new
space in their buildings for a Career and College center for students to do career interest surveys and
college and career research with the assistance of a counselor.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE and Guidance Department Chairs.
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Sample copies of student files and plans with
names redacted.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: CVTE Department head as part of their job will
monitor student folders to ensure that students are engaged in their plan.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 1
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that development or implementation of a) the Career Choices curriculum
and b) the High School Graduation Plan has begun at both Pittsfield High School and Taconic High
School.
Progress Report 2: Sample copies of grade nine student files (with names redacted) evidencing their
participation in the Career Choices Curriculum and evidencing the development of a four year career
plan. Samples must be from both Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 2
MCAS and/or other academic assessment results are
used to design instructional and support services.
Perkins Section 135, Vocational Technical Education
Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4)
Rating: Partially implemented
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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Department CPR Finding:
A review of documentation and interview indicated that MCAS and/or other academic assessment
results are not always used to design instructional and support services. Interviews find that
expectations for students enrolled in the career/vocational technical education programs (CVTE) are
not the same as for Non- CVTE students.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: This year we started assessing students using the
Vocational Competency Tracking System. The district has instituted a portfolio system that includes a
document that tracks the student progress through the frameworks. With Mass CIS and the School
Counselors graduation Plan we will be able to catch issues earlier in the students high school
experience and respond with instructional and support services where appropriate.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Corrective Action Activity: Fall 2012-Spring
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
2013
CVTE and CVTE Department Chairs
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Sample student folders with evaluation and
assessment sheets and names redacted.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Bi-weekly monitoring by Department chairs.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 2
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that the School Counselors Graduation Plan (High School Graduation
Plan identified under the CAP for CVTE 1) is designed to incorporate MCAS and other academic
assessment results in order to design instructional and support services to meet student needs.
Progress Report 2: Evidence that assessment results are being used as described in the corrective
action plan. This may include sample copies of student folders (with names redacted), but may also
include minutes of department meetings and memos evidencing evaluation and assessment results are
being used. Evidence must be from both Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 3
The district assesses students for the acquisition of
safety & health, technical that includes embedded
academic, employability, management &
entrepreneurship, and technological knowledge and
skills. Perkins Section 135, M.G.L. c.74 Section 2,
Vocational Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR
4.03 (4)
Rating: Partially Implemented
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Department CPR Finding:
Staff interviews and a review of documentation indicated that safety & health are the only knowledge
and skills addressed in all programs. There is no formalized system to ensure that all programs are
addressing the frameworks or assessing students.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: All Perkins programs will assess students for the
acquisition of safety & health, technical that includes embedded academic, employability, management
& entrepreneurship and technological knowledge and skills. The Vocational Competency Tracking
System is being used. See Criterion 2 also programs will have community members doing
presentations on entrepreneur and employability skills.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Corrective Action Activity: Winter 2012Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
Spring 2013
CVTE and CVTE Department Chairs
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: See Criterion 2 also students will keep notes of
the presentations by community members.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: The classroom teacher will keep all student
folders in the shop and make sure they constantly updated and reviewed by the student.
Department Chairs will review folders with instructors.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 3
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that all programs at both Taconic High School and Pittsfield High
School are using a vocational competency tracking system, and that all strands are being addressed in
the curriculum of all programs, including systems of assessment. Evidence may include
correspondence between administration and teachers regarding the requirement that all strands be
addressed and that students be assessed and their progress tracked via a vocational competency
tracking system. Evidence may also include any staff meetings or professional development
supporting the corrective action plan. (See CVTE 11)
Progress Report 2: Sample copies from every program (both high schools) of student competency
tracking forms with names redacted. Samples will include a range of grades, where grade 12 student
forms would evidence assessment in all strands. Samples must be from both Taconic High School and
Pittsfield High School. In addition, an administrative summary evidencing that Department Chairs
have reviewed folders to ensure compliance. (See CVTE 11)
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 4
Information concerning career/vocational technical
education programs is provided to students and to their
Rating: Partially Implemented
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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parents/guardians. Such information shall include
admission requirements for career/vocational technical
programs; specific programs/courses that are available;
employment and/or further education and registered
apprenticeship opportunities. Perkins Section 135,
Vocational Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR
4.03 (4) (6).
Department CPR Finding:
Staff interviews and a review of documentation indicated that the district admission policy is not
published. The Pittsfield High School Student Handbook references the admission policy but does not
include the policy or indicate where the policy can be obtained. The Pittsfield High School 2011-2012
Program of Studies references the exploratory program and includes the career exploratory grading
sheet. There is no reference to the admission policy in either Taconic High School’s Student
Handbook or the 2011-2012 Program of Studies. The Pittsfield High School 2011-2012 Program of
Studies includes a paragraph regarding cooperative education; however, information on the
cooperative education program requirements and application process is not published.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: District Admissions policy, Career Exploratory
policy and Co-op policy will be published in both PHS/THS 2012-2013 program of studies.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: winter 2012
CVTE and High School Administration
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of program of studies
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Updated by High School Admin team yearly.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 4
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: If available by the due date for the progress report, the drafts of the 2013-2014
program of studies for Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School. If not, the progress report may
include the language that is to be included in both documents. This may also include correspondence
(emails or memos) evidencing that the high school administrative team is working to revise the
programs of studies for consistent inclusion of information.
Progress Report 2: Copies of the drafts or (if available) final versions of the 2013-2014 program of
studies for Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 5
Rating: Partially Implemented
All individuals including those who are members of
special populations are provided with equal access to
career/vocational technical education programs, services
and activities and are not discriminated against on the
basis of their status as members of special populations
or race, color, gender, religion, national origin, English
language proficiency, disability, or sexual orientation.
Perkins Sections 122 & 135, Vocational Technical
Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4) (6 (7),
M.G.L.c.76, Section 5.
Department CPR Finding: A review of documentation and data showed a disproportionate
enrollment by students with disabilities in the Chapter 74 vocational technical education horticulture
program. While students with disabilities participate in the Chapter 74 exploratory program, during
the final selection process, some students with disabilities are advised to choose the horticulture
program even when other programs have openings. In addition, the Automotive Technology and the
Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing programs is not wheelchair accessible. Staff interviews
and a review of documentation indicated that safety & health are the only knowledge and skills
addressed in all programs. There is no formalized system to ensure that all programs are addressing
the frameworks or assessing students.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: All students will be placed according to Career
Exploratory Rubric. No student will be placed into a program without regard to his or her rubric score.
We are investigating the cost of a ramp or lift to make the Automotive Technology and Automotive
Collision & Repair programs wheelchair accessible and will be consulting with ESE on options to be in
compliance. Consultation on how to address any students with immediate access issues will include the
school nurse and the Director of Special Ed.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: CVTE and Guidance Department Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
Chair
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Samples of Career Exploratory sheets with scores
and names redacted.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: A review by Admissions Committee and CVTE
Department Chair will occur yearly.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 5
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that all staff involved in the exploratory and guidance process is aware of
the requirement for equitable access and adherence to the approved admission policy, such as memos,
staff meeting agendas and/or minutes. Evidence of the district’s efforts to address the access barrier
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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identified in the two programs, including evidence of consultation with the special education director.
Progress Report 2: Evidence that the admissions committee is aware of their role in reviewing
exploratory data and scores to ensure equitable access and adherence to the approved admission policy.
Any current disaggregated enrollment data. The district plan to provide access to the two programs,
should there be a student using a wheelchair who seeks to explore these programs. Evidence that the
Admissions Committee tracks records of all students who have been accepted or who have been placed
on a wait list, and that the committee annually reviews the data to ensure compliance with the approved
admission policy.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 6
This criterion applies only to Chapter 74-approved
vocational technical education. The district uses its
Department-approved admission policy and an
appropriate application for admission. Vocational
Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4).
M.G.L. c. 76 Sections 5.
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
A review of documentation and data showed that the district is not using its admissions policy for
placement of all students. See corrective action plan for CVTE 5.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: All students applying to CVTE will be evaluated
using the selection criteria contained in the Admissions policy.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Admissions Committee
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of admission application scores, including
a sample of students with disabilities and names redacted.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Admissions Committee will track records of all
students accepted and those put on wait list, and annually review the data to ensure compliance with
the approved admission policy.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 6
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: The corrective action plan and the required elements of the progress reports for
CVTE 5 address the findings for CVTE 6. Therefore, approval of the progress reports for CVTE 5 will
satisfy CVTE 6.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 7
Rating: Partially Implemented
This criterion applies only to districts with five or more
Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education
programs. Ninth graders admitted to Chapter 74approved vocational technical education participate in
the district’s Chapter 74-approved vocational technical
education exploratory program for a minimum of onehalf of the school year. The program provides for
students to explore at least one program that would
prepare them for a career nontraditional for their gender
if the district has program(s) that prepare students for
careers that would be nontraditional for their gender.
Students receive appropriate safety training while
exploring programs. The time exploring each program
should be sufficient to allow the student to be
adequately assessed. The time should be sufficient to
allow the student to become aware of the program
requirements and the opportunities for employment and
further education/training extended by the program.
Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4).
M.G.L. c. 76 Sections 5.
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that neither the Chapter 74-approved vocational
technical education exploratory program at Taconic High School or at Pittsfield High School meets the
minimum one-half year requirement. In 2008, the district was approved to run a revised exploratory
program at Pittsfield and/or Taconic High School for a one-year period, after which they were
required to submit a report on the revised exploratory program. No report has been submitted and the
exploratory programs continue to run at a deficit of the required minimum of one-half of the school
year.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: Both High Schools meet the requirement of half year
exploratory by meeting two periods a day for seventeen days. That puts the time at @ 198 hours.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: CVTE Department Chairs and Corrective Action Activity: September 2012
Assistant Superintendent of CVTE
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of exploratory rotation schedules from
both high schools.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: The exploratory schedules for both high schools
will be reviewed every summer before school opens.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 7
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Copies of exploratory rotation schedules from both high schools.
Progress Report 2: If the first progress report is accepted, no second progress report will be required for
this criterion.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 8
Rating: Partially Implemented
The programs in which students are enrolled meet the
Perkins IV definition of career and technical education
as contained in Appendix A (Massachusetts Perkins IV
Career and Technical Education Program Checklist) of
the Massachusetts Perkins IV Manual. Perkins Sections
3 & 135
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that not all of the career/vocational technical
education programs meet the standards and accompanying measures in the Massachusetts Perkins IV
Career and Technical Education Program Checklist. There is no system in place to ensure that career
and technical education programs in which students are enrolled meet the Perkins IV definition of
career and technical education.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: All instructors will complete and update Perkins IV
Career and Technical Education Program List. The will then be reviewed and, where necessary, the
Department Chair will meet with instructors to address any areas of the checklist not meeting the
standards.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE and Department Chairs of CVTE
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of documents and sources where
evidence can be found. Agendas, minutes, correspondence to staff regarding the assistance and
completion of the checklist. Some examples are PD and staff meetings.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Department Chairs will do spot observations as
part of evaluation process. Yearly review by Assistant Superintendent and Department Chairs
that the checklist standard is being meet with the appropriate evidence and documentation.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 8
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Completed checklists for every program at both high schools. Evidence that
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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Department Chairs are working with technical teachers to address any areas of the checklists not being
met. This may also include correspondence to staff regarding the requirement and assistance in
ensuring programs meets the definition. This may also include documentation of professional
development and staff meetings directly related to this criterion.
Progress Report 2: Evidence that Department Chairs are implementing an evaluation process ensuring
that the checklist standard is being met.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 9
Rating: Partially Implemented
The district accurately reports student data in the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s
Student Information Management System (SIMS) and
the Career/Vocational Technical Education Graduate
Follow-up Report. Perkins Section 113, Vocational
Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.05
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that the district reports students enrolled in non
Chapter 74 programs that do not meet the Perkins IV definition of career and technical education and
in Chapter 74 Exploratory Programs that do not meet the minimum one-half year requirement. See
CVTE 7 and 8.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: See corrective action plan for Criterion 7 and 8
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE and Department Chairs.
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: See 7and 8
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: See 7 and 8
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 9
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: The corrective action plans and the required elements of the progress reports for
CVTE 7 and CVTE 8 address the findings for CVTE 9. Therefore, approval of the progress reports for
CVTE 7 and CVTE 8 will satisfy CVTE 9.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 10
Representatives of business/industry; organized labor
(union); colleges(s); parent(s)/guardian(s); student(s);
representative(s) from registered apprenticeship
program(s) (only required if the occupational field of
the program has a registered apprenticeship program)
are involved in the development, implementation, and
review of career/vocational technical programs.
Representation is race, linguistic, disability, and
nontraditional by gender inclusive, and if not, there is a
plan (formal recruitment process) to make it inclusive.
Perkins Section 135, M.G.L. c.74 Section 6, Vocational
Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (1).
Department CPR Finding:
Rating: Partially Implemented
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that several program advisory committees
are missing required representation. Documentation submitted by the district did not include
a program advisory committee roster for all programs; of those submitted several indicated
only 3-5 members and postsecondary representation was missing from the majority of rosters
submitted. One program does not have a program advisory committee in place at all.
Program advisory committee minutes indicate that most committees meet twice a year
(including those without membership rosters).
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The Community Placement Specialist and the
instructors are reaching out to the community to add to the committees with a focus on missing
representation such as postsecondary membership. The program without an Advisory Board will be
starting one back up this year.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE, Community Placement Specialist,
Department Chairs and instructors.
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of rosters of Advisory Board
Committees and minutes
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Yearly checks of rosters and minutes of board
meetings.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 10
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that the district is reaching out to the community to add members as
described in the corrective action plan, including evidence that the technical teachers are aware of the
recruitment initiative.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
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Progress Report 2: Program Advisory Committee membership forms for each Chapter 74 program and
minutes of the last meetings of each program advisory committee. Evidence also that he CVTE
Director or Department Heads have reviewed the most current membership forms.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 11
Rating: Partially Implemented
Programs are structured so that students acquire
safety & health, technical that includes embedded
academic, employability, management &
entrepreneurship, and technological knowledge and
skills. Perkins Section 135, M.G.L. c. 74 Section 2,
Vocational Technical Education Regulations 603
CMR 4.03 (4) 4.06
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that not all programs are aligned to the
frameworks. There is no formalized system to ensure that every chapter 74 program is teaching all
strands of the vocational technical education frameworks. In addition, disparities between programs
were noted in classroom observations as well as program advisory committee meeting notes. Refer to
CVTE 3.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: As in Criterion 3 all Perkins programs will assess
students in acquiring knowledge and skills in all the strands of the programs frameworks using
The Vocational Competency Tracking System.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE and Department Chairs
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: See Criterion 2&3
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: See Criterion 2&3
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 11
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
The corrective action plan and the required elements for the progress reports for CVTE 3 address both
the acquisition and assessment of the technical knowledge and skills in the Vocational Technical
Education Frameworks. Therefore, approval of the progress reports for CVTE 3 will satisfy CVTE 11.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 12
Linkages between secondary and postsecondary education
including registered apprenticeship programs exist through, at a
minimum, articulation agreements that are annually reviewed and
approved. Perkins Section 135, Vocational Technical Education
Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (4)
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated that not all programs have linkages with
postsecondary education, including registered apprenticeship. Further, interviews and a review of
documentation indicated that expectations for students enrolled in the career/vocational technical
education programs are not the same as for non-CVTE students, particularly regarding assistance with
postsecondary planning. See also CVTE 2.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The CVTE Director is currently working with Berkshire
Community College’s linkage coordinator to increase and update the articulation agreements. School
Counselors will provide college and career information sessions in CVTE classrooms led by School
Counselor in collaboration with CVTE instructor. Counselors will sponsor post-secondary planning
and information sessions with CVTE students in an area in each high school dedicated as a College and
Career Center.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE, School Counselors and Department Chairs.
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copies of articulations, presentations, and student
records. Copies of guidance curriculum evidencing delivery of information to all students.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Guidance and Department Chairs will keep track of
students access of College and Career options using MassCIS
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 12
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Copies of guidance curriculum evidencing delivery of information to all students.
This may include evidence of career information sessions in CVTE classrooms led by School
Counselor in collaboration with CVTE instructor. Evidence that Counselors have sponsor ed postsecondary planning and information sessions with CVTE students in an area in each high school
dedicated as a College and Career Center.
Progress Report 2: Evidence of efforts to increase articulation agreements, including any new
agreements. Evidence that the district is annually reviewing linkages between secondary and
postsecondary education for all students.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 13
Cooperative Education is implemented in accordance
with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Child
Labor Bulletin 101 – Child Labor Requirements in
Nonagricultural Occupations under the Fair Labor
Standards Act WH – Revised March 2001, Code of
Federal Regulations Title 29 (CFR 29) Parts 570.50 (c)
(1) & 570.51-570.68, M.G.L. c. 74 Sections 1& 2A,
M.G.L. c.149, Sections 1, 62 & 62A, M.G.L. c. 152,
Vocational Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR
4.03(7) 4.10(3), (Chapter 385 of the Acts of 2002
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews, documentation, and review of student cooperative education records indicated that
cooperative education is significantly out of compliance with the Vocational Technical Education
Regulations:
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The majority of the cooperative education agreements were missing required information
including signatures, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, technical skills to be attained
during coop, and on several agreements, the name of the supervisor at the cooperative
education placement.
CORI consent by employer or documentation of work permits were not in all students’ folders.
There was no evidence that students are required to meet the standard of academic or
employability skills prior to participating in cooperative education.
Interviews and a review of documentation indicated no standard preparation/orientation prior
to students’ placement on coop, including safety and health.
As noted in the prior CPR, some students are placed in cooperative education to remove them
from the classroom.
Employers have contacted the school to complain about students’ lack of preparation resulting
in a reduction of placement opportunities.
While site specific safety reviews are conducted prior to placement, no evidence or
documentation is maintained in the student file.
In one case, a student conducted work in violation of child labor laws.
Students’ academic and technical competency attainment is not documented and work is not
always relevant to the students’ programs of study.
There is not a uniform published description of the requirements for participation in
Cooperative Education, or how to apply, available to all Pittsfield Public School students.
Only the Pittsfield High School Program of Studies includes a paragraph describing the
Cooperative Education Program and requirements, but only references grade and graduation
requirements for placement.
A review of student records revealed that cooperative education agreements are used for placement of
students enrolled in non Chapter 74 programs. See CVTE 14.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
45
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The district has thoroughly reviewed the cooperative
education program and the items identified by the CPR. In response a new co-op policy has been
instituted with updated paperwork in regards to safety forms, competency checklists, cori checks,
insurance checks, school responsibility, workplace responsibility and student responsibility.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: Fall 2012
CVTE and Community Placement Specialist
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Copy of published Co-op policy
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Department Heads will check student files of Co-op
students to make sure they are up to date with proper documentation.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 13
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Copy of the revised Co-op policy and all cooperative education documents to be
used, evidencing that cooperative education is implemented in accordance with applicable laws,
regulations, and policies. Evidence that the policy, including requirements for participation, is
published and available to both Taconic HS and Pittsfield HS students.
Progress Report 2: Evidence that all staff involved in the cooperative education program process
(including technical teachers) understand the new policy and their responsibilities, where appropriate.
Sample completed forms (student information redacted). Note that student cooperative education
records may be reviewed onsite at a date to be determined by the Office for Career/Vocational
Technical Education.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 14
Non-cooperative education (unpaid) work-based
learning such as internships and job-shadowing is
implemented in accordance with applicable laws,
regulations and policies. Perkins Section 135, M.G.L. c.
74 Section 2A, M.G.L. c. 152, Vocational Technical
Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4), Chapter 385
of the Acts of 2002
Rating: Partially Implemented
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
46
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews and a review of documentation, including student records, indicated that non-cooperative
education (unpaid) work-based learning such as internships and job-shadowing are not carried out in
compliance with the Vocational Technical Education Regulations. Several students enrolled in
Chapter 74 programs participate in the district’s paid work-based learning program (run separately
from the cooperative education program) in lieu of cooperative education. See CVTE 13.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: In response to the departments finding all noncooperative education (unpaid) work-based learning such as internships and job shadowing will be
implemented using appropriate published school policies concerning minimum student grades,
attendance, conduct, etc. for participation. We will provide students the opportunity to acquire
knowledge and skills not acquirable in a school-based setting but acquirable in a work-based setting.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Community Placement Specialist, Corrective Action Activity: Winter 2013
instructors and Department Chair
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Written agreements between the school, sponsor,
student and parent/guardian delineating the conditions of the experience, including, but not limited to
hours, and describing the skills to be acquired by the student.
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Yearly review of students competencies by
Department Chairs and Community Placement specialist who according to the instructors have
acquired the knowledge and skills to allow the student to participate in work-based learning and job
shadow opportunities.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 14
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Progress Report 1: Copy of the published school policies pertaining to noncooperative education (unpaid) work-based learning experiences (published and available to both
Taconic HS and Pittsfield HS students). Copies of all documents used with the policies, and sample
completed forms (student information redacted).
Progress Report 2: Evidence that staff understand the policy and their responsibilities, where
appropriate, including review of student folders for appropriate paperwork and for documentation of
knowledge and skills not acquirable in a school-based setting but acquirable in a work-based setting.
Note that records of students participating in non-cooperative education (unpaid) work-based learning
may be reviewed onsite at a date to be determined by the Office for Career/Vocational Technical
Education.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
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COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 17
Activities are provided to prepare students, including
students that are members of special populations, for
high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations that
will lead to self-sufficiency.
Rating: Partially Implemented
Perkins Section 135; Vocational Technical Education
Regulations 603 CMR 4.03(4).
Department CPR Finding:
A review of documentation including student records as well as classroom observations and interviews
indicated that not all programs provide activities to prepare students, including students that are
members of special populations, for high skill, high wage, or high demand occupations that will lead to
self-sufficiency (see CVTE 12 and CVTE 13). No evidence of curriculum reviews was provided and
(see CVTE 2 and CVTE 3) and cooperative education records indicated placements requiring
repetitive or unrelated work (see CVTE 13). In addition, each day several students enrolled in CVTE
programs were observed roaming hallways and off task and/or undirected during class time.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The district will be instituting a portfolio system that
includes a document that tracks the student progress through the frameworks, working with the
Berkshire Community College’s linkage coordinator to increase and update the articulation
agreements, and revising the cooperative education program policies and procedures to ensure quality
placements will prepare students for high skill, high wage and high demand occupations. See Criterion
2, 3, 12, and 13.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Community Placement Specialist, Corrective Action Activity: Winter 2013
guidance, Instructors, Department Chairs
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: See Criterion 2, 3, 12, and 13
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Department Chairs and Community Placement
Special will review information in student files.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 17
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: The corrective action plans and the required elements of the progress reports for
CVTE 2, CVTE 3, CVTE 12, and CVTE 13 collectively address the findings for CVTE 17. Therefore,
approval of the progress reports for CVTE 2, CVTE 3, CVTE 12, and CVTE 13 will satisfy CVTE 17.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
48
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 18
Staff in career/vocational technical education programs
are appropriately licensed or are working under a
current Department-issued waiver. Perkins Section 135,
M.G.L. c. 74 Section 18, Vocational Technical
Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (5) 4.07 and
M.G.L. c. 71 Section 38G, Regulations for Educator
Licensure and Preparation Program Approval 603
CMR 7.00
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
Interviews indicated that in one program an unlicensed teacher delivers instruction and supervises
students on equipment.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The teacher upon which the finding was based is no
longer supervising students on equipment. All teachers are now Chapter 74 certified except for two
new teachers who have DESE waivers, and the district will ensure that moving forward all staff in
career/vocational technical education programs are appropriately licensed or working under a current
Department-issued waiver.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent of
Corrective Action Activity: Completed
CVTE, Director of HR
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: List of teachers
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: Yearly, HR will review the licensure and waiver
status of the staff in career /vocational technical education programs to ensure that staff are
appropriately licensed or working under a current Department-issued waiver.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 18
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Evidence that the teacher upon which the finding was based is no longer supervising
students on equipment. This may include a memo, email, letter, or meeting notes.
Progress Report 2: Evidence of the internal monitoring process. This may include a procedural
summary on district letterhead.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
49
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 20
Rating: Partially Implemented
Career/vocational technical education instructional
facilities meet current occupational standards. Perkins
Section 135; Vocational Technical Education
Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (3) (4) (7)(8)
Department CPR Finding:
Not all instructional facilities and equipment used for career/vocational technical education meet
current occupational standards, i.e., are generally comparable to facilities in applicable operating
business and industries. The Office for Career/Vocational Technical Education sent a Safety Survey
Report to Superintendent Eberwein on May 4, 2012.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: The safety report is nearly complete, and the district
staff overseeing this report have been in contact with Dave Edmonds monthly. The Assistant
Superintendent for CVTE has been working with Superintendent and Mayor on upgrades to facilities.
Discussions have begun about improving the budget for CVTE.
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Superintendent, Assistant
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
Superintendent for CVTE Department Chairs
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Completed Safety report, Budget sheets for
CVTE
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: The safety coordinator for each school in
conjunction with the Department Chair will be doing walkthroughs of the CVTE programs to make
sure that programs are adhering to their safety plan.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 20
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
The district will continue to provide Dave Edmonds of the Office for Career/Vocational Technical
Education with monthly updates using the Safety Survey Report Response Template, as requested.
Progress Report Due Date(s): The district will refer to Dave Edmonds last correspondence which
includes the due date of the next update.
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 21
Career/vocational technical education instructional
equipment meets current occupational standards.
Perkins Section 135; Vocational Technical Education
Rating: Partially Implemented
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
50
Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (3) (4) (7)(8)
Department CPR Finding:
Not all instructional facilities and equipment used for career/vocational technical education meet
current occupational standards, i.e., are generally comparable to facilities in applicable operating
business and industries. The Office for Career/Vocational Technical Education sent a Safety Survey
Report to Superintendent Eberwein on May 4, 2012.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: See Criterion 20
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Implementation: See Criterion 20
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Corrective Action Activity: See Criterion 20
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: see Criterion 20
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: See Criterion 20
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 21
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
The district will continue to provide Dave Edmonds of the Office for Career/Vocational Technical
Education with monthly updates using the Safety Survey Report Response Template, as requested.
Progress Report Due Date(s): The district will refer to Dave Edmonds last correspondence which
includes the due date of the next update.
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 22
Rating: Partially Implemented
The district uses the Perkins Act Core Indicator of
Performance outcomes and (if applicable) Chapter 74
outcomes to improve programs and the outcomes for
students. Perkins Section 113, Vocational Technical
Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.05
Department CPR Finding:
Beyond improvements in safety, interviews and review of documentation showed minimal effort to
improve programs and outcomes for students based on findings in the last Coordinated Program
Review. Fifteen out of twenty career/vocational technical education findings from the 2006
Coordinated Program Review have still not been addressed.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: We have added more rigor to programs by assessing
and evaluating students with the VCTS. Department heads are helping teachers with the frameworks by
breaking them down and reviewing each strand. The CVTE Department will be developing an
improvement plan to meet outcomes that have not been achieved.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
51
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Assistant Superintendent for
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
CVTE and Department head.
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: Notes, emails and or minutes from student
meetings
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures:
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 22
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: The evidence of completion is not clear, and the plan
does not include an internal monitoring procedure.
Department Order of Corrective Action: The district will provide an internal monitoring procedure.
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: An internal monitoring procedure. Evidence that the Assistant Superintendent for
CVTE and Department heads are working together to ensure the implementation of the CVTE
corrective action plan as a whole, with particular emphasis on criteria which had not been adequately
addressed following the 2006 Coordinated Program Review.
Progress Report 2: Evidence that the Assistant Superintendent for CVTE and Department heads have
communicated with staff regarding areas of need and have provided support to staff in implementation
of the corrective action plans and the improvement of programs and outcomes for students. This may
include emails, memos, or minutes from staff meetings and/or professional development.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN
(To be completed by school district/charter school)
Criterion & Topic: CVTE 25
(Note: This criterion applies only to Chapter 74approved vocational technical education.)
The district has adequate financial resources to enable the
programs to meet current industry and Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) standards with respect
to facilities, safety, equipment, and supplies. Vocational
Technical Education Regulations 603 CMR 4.03 (8)
Rating: Partially Implemented
Department CPR Finding:
Review of program advisory committee meeting minutes indicated that the district does not have
adequate financial resources to enable the programs to meet current industry standards.
Narrative Description of Corrective Action: With respect to this finding the district will use memos,
emails, or meeting agendas and minutes demonstrating a) that the PACs are aware of the expectation to
advise the district on program needs, and b) that the Assistant Superintendent of CVTE has a venue to
present recommendations to the superintendent and School Committee with the assistance of the
GACs.
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
52
Title/Role of Person(s) Responsible for
Expected Date of Completion for Each
Implementation: Superintendent, Assistant
Corrective Action Activity: Spring 2013
Superintendent for Business, School Committee,
Assistant Superintendent for CVTE
Evidence of Completion of the Corrective Action: CVTE budget sheets
Description of Internal Monitoring Procedures: The CVTE Director will regularly meet with district
administration to review the prioritized recommendations of the PACs (re: facilities, safety, equipment,
and supplies that are necessary to enable programs to meet current industry and OSHA standards), and
the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of CVTE and Business will maintain records of
recommendations and business office meetings, to ensure acknowledgement of the recommendations
and the regulations.
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN APPROVAL SECTION
(To be completed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
Criterion: CVTE 25
Status of Corrective Action:
Approved
Partially Approved
Disapproved
Basis for Partial Approval or Disapproval: N/A
Department Order of Corrective Action: None
Required Elements of Progress Report(s):
Progress Report 1: Memos, emails, or meeting agendas and minutes demonstrating a) that the PACs are
aware of the expectation to advise the district on program needs, and b) that the Assistant
Superintendent of CVTE has a venue to present recommendations to the superintendent and School
Committee with the assistance of the GACs.
Progress Report 2: CVTE budget sheets and any elements of the first progress report not previously
submitted.
Progress Report Due Date(s): February 13, 2013 & May 1, 2013
MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Program Quality Assurance Services
Pittsfield CPR Corrective Action Plan
53