The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Education
350 Main Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-5023
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
March 22, 2006
Robert Calabrese, Superintendent
Billerica Public Schools
365 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
Re:
’06 Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
Dear Superintendent Calabrese:
Enclosed is the Department of Education's Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report. This report
contains findings based on onsite monitoring activities conducted to verify the implementation status and
effectiveness of corrective action activities approved by the Department that were intended to address
findings of noncompliance included in the Billerica Public Schools ’03 Coordinated Program Review
Report issued on April 24, 2003. (In the remainder of this letter, please read “district” as meaning “school
district or charter school.”)
As you know, one component of the Department’s Mid-cycle Review process is the review of your
district's self-assessment in the area of English learner education (ELE). The purpose of this activity is to
determine if your district is beginning to implement the significant changes in M.G.L. Chapter 71A, this
state’s law governing the education of limited English proficient students that was adopted by voters as
Question 2 in 2002. The Department has reviewed your district’s ELE self-assessment documents and is
providing you now with advisory comments and actions to be implemented in anticipation of your
district’s next scheduled Coordinated Program Review. Where indicated in our report, your district is
urged to request technical assistance in areas that, based solely on your self-assessment documents, were
found not likely to be fully implemented. To secure assistance, you may consult with your Mid-cycle
Review Chairperson or call Robyn Dowling-Grant in Program Quality Assurance Services at 781-3383732. You may also consult with staff in the Department’s Office of Language Acquisition and
Achievement at 781-338-3534 and obtain additional ELE guidance documents through the Department’s
web site at http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/ .
We are pleased with the substantial progress Billerica Public Schools has made in implementing its
approved Corrective Action Plan, however, while the Department of Education found certain
noncompliance issues to be resolved, others were partially corrected, not addressed at all and/or the
Department’s onsite team identified new issues of noncompliance. In areas where the district has failed to
implement fully its approved Corrective Action Plan, the Department views these findings to be serious.
As the Department previously informed you, in cases where a district fails to fully and effectively
implement a Corrective Action Plan, which was proposed by your district and approved by the
Department, the Department must then prepare a Corrective Action Plan for the district, which must be
implemented without further delay. You will find these requirements for corrective action and further
progress reporting included in the attached report together with any steps that must be taken by the district
to fully implement new special education requirements. Please provide the Department with your written
assurance that the Department's requirements for corrective action will be implemented by your school
district within the timelines specified. Your statement of assurance must be submitted to the Department's
Onsite Chairperson by April 12, 2006.
Your staff's cooperation throughout these Follow-up Monitoring activities is appreciated. Should you
require additional clarification of information included in our report, please do not hesitate to contact the
Onsite Team Chairperson at 781-338-3703.
Sincerely,
Dean Paolillo, Coordinated Program Review Follow-up Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene Lynch, Assistant Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Robert Keough, School Committee Chairperson
Karen Malio, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW REPORT
Billerica Public Schools
ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR): January 13-17, 2003
Date of Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Plan Approval: August 25, 2003
Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: October 24, 2004, January 12, 2005, January 31, 2005, May 12, 2005, August 25, 2005,
January 6, 2005
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: February 6-8, 2006
Date of this Report: March 22, 2006
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Special
Education
Requirements
(including new
IDEA-2004
Requirements
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 1 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
SE 6
Determination
of Transition
Services
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Partial
Student Record
Review,
Documentation
and Interviews
Early childhood transition
activities were conducted for
young children and appropriate
evaluations, including home
assessments, were conducted.
Partial
The student record review
indicates that the Team
considers the parent and
student input in developing
the student’s Transition Plan.
However, the vision
statements for older students
do not always indicate what
activities will be conducted
to facilitate meeting the
student’s vision.
The district will again review the
requirements for post-secondary
transition in IDEA 2004 with staff.
Verification of the training will be
provided to the Department by
June 30, 2006.
The district has developed
district-wide transition
procedures and has incorporated
these procedures into its policies
and procedures manual. The
district has developed a
transition checklist that was
updated on January 27, 2005.
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
Yes
Student Record
Review
and Interviews
Team attendance sheets
demonstrate that the required
personnel are attending the
Team meeting. A person with
the authority to commit the
resources of the district was in
attendance.
SE 12
Yes
Student Record
The student record review and
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 2 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Frequency of
re-evaluation
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Review and
Documentation
the review of the 05-06 IEP logs
indicate substantial
implementation of completing
the three-year re-evaluation.
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
Yes
Student Record
Review and
Documentation
Progress reports were completed
consistent with the report card
cycle in the student records
examined. The progress reports
documented the progress
towards meeting the student’s
annual IEP goals. The district’s
policy and procedure manual
identifies the required elements
of progress reports and the
responsibilities of special
education staff in the
completion of progress reports.
SE 14
Review and
revision of IEPs
Yes
Student Record
Review and
Student records indicate that the
district conducts annual reviews.
Chairperson annual review logs
demonstrate the district actively
tracks and records the
completion of annual IEP
reviews.
Documentation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 3 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
Yes
Documentation
and Interviews
The district is implementing the
new requirement for offering
dispute resolution meetings
prior to proceeding to the
BSEA.
SE 30
Notice of
procedural
safeguards
Yes
Student Record
Review
N1 notices document that the
district is providing parents with
copies of the interim notice of
procedural safe guards or in past
years, the parent’s rights
brochure.
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
days
Yes
Student Record
Review
The student records documented
the reconvening of members of
a student’s Team to conduct
manifestation determinations
when necessary.
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 4 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Student
Records and
Interviews
See the comment to the right. In
general, the district is selecting
assessments that appropriately
target the suspected areas of
disability.
Partial
In a few instances, the
students primary language is
identified as English on the
IEP, however, the evaluators
note that the student’s
primary language is not
English. The Department
noted that in these instances,
translators were used during
the evaluations that spoke
the student’s primary
language. A concern remains
that the district identified the
student’s primary language
as English on the IEP.
The district will review the IEPs
of multi-lingual students to ensure
that the primary language is
accurately identified on the
student IEPs. The district will
identify the number of IEPs
reviewed; it’s method of
verification and any corrective
action that was initiated because of
the district’s review. The
corrective action is due by June
30, 2006.
Other Special
Education
Requirements
Originally Cited
in CPR Report
SE 1
Selection of
Assessments
Partial
The Department notes that IEPs
and the evaluations documented
when the student was provided a
translator or what assessments
were conducted to determine the
student’s English proficiency
prior to the selection of
assessments to determine the
student’s eligibility for special
education.
Yes
SE 2
Student
Records,
The district has made
considerable improvement in
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 5 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Required
Assessments
SE 7
Transfer of
Rights
SE 9
Timelines for
Determination
of Eligibility
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Documentation
and Interviews
meeting this standard.
Assessments focusing on the
student’s suspected disability
are selected and teacher and
educational status assessments
(or developmental profile for
very young children such as
three and four year olds) were
contained in records examined.
Partial
Partial
Student
Records and
Documentation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
The student IEPs documented
the transfer of rights in the
additional information section.
Partial
The student record did not
always contain the notice of
the transfer of rights.
The district will provide a memo
to staff reminding chairpersons
that the “transfer of rights” notice
must be sent upon the child’s 17
birthday and documented in the
student record, not just the IEP.
The corrective action is due by
June 30, 2006.
See the comment to the right.
Partial
IEP logs indicate that when
Team meetings are held near
the end of the school year,
the IEPs are not provided
within the timelines required,
in a few instances, the IEP
was not provided to the
The district will review with its
chairpersons the “end of the year”
requirements for developing an
IEP and issuing the IEP to the
parent(s). The district will provide
evidence of the training conducted
with staff in this regard. The
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 6 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
parent until the start of the
following school year
despite having sufficient
time to complete the
eligibility determination,
develop an IEP and issue the
IEP consistent with the
requirements of 603 CMR
28.05(1).
SE 11
Independent
Evaluations
Yes
Documentation
and Interviews
The district’s policy and
procedure manual contains
processes that are consistent
with federal and state
regulation. The district has
developed a letter to parents that
fully encapsulates the district’s
responsibility regarding
Independent Educational
Evaluations.
Documentation
and Interviews
The district has established
policies for conducting
kindergarten screenings. The
district has established
screening procedures for three
Yes
SE 15
Outreach
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 7 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
corrective action is due by June
30, 2006.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Placement forms did not
always identify the specific
The district will provide a memo
to its chairpersons reminding them
and four year olds. District
interviews indicate that Billerica
Public Schools makes annual
outreach to a variety of groups
from which students with
disabilities may emerge or be
identified.
SE 17
Initiation of
Services
Yes
Student
Records,
Documentation
and Interviews
The district is evaluating young
children entering through Early
Intervention and providing
services to young children.
SE 18A
IEP
Development
Yes
Student Record
Review
Parent concerns, comments and
vision for the student are well
documented in the IEP. Team
meeting notes showed evidence
of the consideration of parental
concerns that were incorporated
into the IEP.
SE 18B
Placement
Partial
Student Record
Review
See comment to the right.
Partial
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 8 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
placement type and location.
The parent did not always
sign the placement form that
corresponded to the
student’s IEP.
SE 19
Extended
Evaluation
Yes
SE 20
Least
Restrictive
Environment
Yes
Student
Records
The review indicated that
extended evaluations were used
appropriately (only after
determining the student’s
eligibility for special education
services).
Student
Records and
Interviews
The student records indicated
that Teams consider the
individual needs of students in
determining placement. Some
parental interviews indicated
that at the middle school, an
issue existed in the
determination of a program for
students in a language based
program, however, further
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 9 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
to ensure that the parent signs the
placement page and that
placement pages have a “check
off” for the placement type and
identify the specific location for
the delivery of services. The
district will provide a copy of the
memo provided to staff by June
30, 2006.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Partial
The student record review
indicates N1 notices are
documented in the student
record, however, the notices
do not always address the
key questions for the
individual student.
The district must review the
federal notification requirements
with all applicable staff.
Verification of the staff training is
to be provided by June 30, 2006.
follow-up with district personnel
and a review of district
documentation indicate that the
district is considering the Least
Restrictive Environment and has
an appropriate continuum of
services for students with
disabilities regardless of
disability type.
SE 24
Notice
Partial
Student Record
Review
See the comment to the right.
SE 25
Parental
Consent
Yes
Student Record
Review
The educational decision maker
signed IEPs and the consent
forms to evaluate or re-evaluate
the student. Copies of the
consent forms and signed IEPs
were kept in the student record.
The Department noted that in a
few instances, the parent did not
sign placement forms.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 10 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Yes
Student Record
Review
Notices were translated into the
appropriate language. In the
selected records where
translation was a concern the
Team documented in the student
record the parent’s desire to
have the IEP in English.
SE 32
PAC
Yes
Interviews
The district has a special
education parent advisory
council that meets regularly and
has access to district resources.
SE 33
Curriculum
Yes
Interviews and
Student
Records
Student records contained
copies of the student schedules
that demonstrate access to the
general curriculum; IEPs
documented the student’s ability
to participate in the general
education setting.
SE 35
Assistive
Technology
Yes
Documentation
Documentation (including
purchase orders) indicates the
district is providing assistive
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
SE 29
Communications
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 11 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Partial
While the district is
appropriately developing
IEPs and determining the
placement for students who
require an out-of-district
placement, the student
records indicate that
documentation of out-ofdistrict monitoring activities
are not being kept with the
student record.
The district must review the
requirements for out-of-district
monitoring and for documenting
that monitoring within the student
record. Evidence of the training is
to be provided by June 30, 2006.
technology to students when
needed. Some examples of the
assistive technology provided
are: Alphasmart systems,
computers and FM systems.
SE 37
Procedures for
out of district
Partial
Student records
See the comment to the right.
SE 40
Instructional
Groupings five+
Yes
Documentation
The district has documented its
increased instructional
groupings consistent with the
requirements of state regulation.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 12 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
SE 41
Age Span
Requirements
Yes
Documentation
The district has documented
corrective action regarding the
age span requirements in its
“life skills” program at the
Billerica Memorial High
School. Age spans are no longer
exceeding the 48-month
requirement. In addition, the
district has documented its
request for an age span waiver
for its multi handicapped life
skills program, consistent with
the requirements of state
regulation.
SE 45
Procedures for
Suspension
Yes
Student
Records,
Documentation
and Interviews
The student records documented
the reconvening of members of
a student’s Team to conduct
manifestation determinations
when necessary.
SE 50
Responsibilities
of Special
Yes
Student
Records
Pre-Referral and home and
hospital information is
documented in the student
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 13 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
record.
Education
Administrator
SE 51
Teacher
Licensure
Yes
Documentation
Staff members have current
licensure or waiver requests
pending before the Department.
SE 52
Related Service
Licensure
Yes
Documentation
Staff members have current
licensure or have licenses
pending from the Department.
SE 54
Professional
Development
Yes
Documentation
The district has conducted
considerable professional
development that included (but
was not limited to) the following
areas: “E-Sped” training for the
management of IEPs and IEP
timelines, conducting
assessments, the IEP process,
transition planning, completing
amendments to IEPs and
conducting functional
behavioral assessments.
Attendance was documented at
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 14 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
all of the in-service training
activities. In general, the district
has actively engaged in diverse
professional development for
staff to improve the quality of
special education services
provided in the Billerica Public
Schools.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 15 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
SE 55
Special
Education
Facilities
SE 56
Program
Evaluation
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Partial
Observation
See the comment to the right.
Partial
Documentation
The district has used an outside
agency to evaluate its special
education programs. The
evaluation agency used parental
surveys, graduation rates, and
drop out rates for special
Yes
Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
The issues identified in the
Department’s last
Coordinated Program
Review for the Hajjar
School have still not been
resolved. Observations
indicate that issues
identified by the onsite
team in the district’s
January 2003 Coordinated
Program Review were not
corrected by the district.
An additional issue was
noted at the Hajjar School.
In one special education
classroom, the school had
“doubled up” its classroom
space, creating a
distracting environment
for both classes of students.
The district must address the
outstanding area of
noncompliance by June 30,
2006. A follow-up onsite visit
will be scheduled for September
2006. Failure to correct the
outstanding issues of
noncompliance will lead to a
withholding of federal funds.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 16 of 23
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
education students in preparing
its evaluation results.
Recommendations were made to
broaden the evaluation activities
and in 2004, the evaluation
included reviewing the
Department’s Coordinated
Program Review, surveying
staff, conducting interviews and
technical assistance in
implementing the district’s
corrective action activities.
The Department recommends
that future evaluation activities
should include examining
specific special education
programs within Billerica
Public Schools and analyzing
placement data and MCAS
success for students in special
education.
Civil Rights
(MOA) and
Other General
Education
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 17 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20052006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings
Regarding Corrective
Action Plan Activities
Or
Basis of Findings
Regarding Implementation
of New IDEA
Requirements
Yes
Reviewed data
reports.
The review of the district’s data
indicated disproportionate
representation in populations
that are too low in number to be
statistically relevant.
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete
or Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Requirements
MOA 4
Disproportional
ity
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 18 of 23
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Billerica Public Schools
English Learning Education (ELE) Requirements
Mid-Cycle Review Advisory Comments Resulting From The Department’s Review Of Local Self-Assessment Documents
(Please refer to full text of 2005-2006 CPR-ELE legal requirements and related implementation guidance at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/instrument/chapter71A.doc )
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
ELE 1
Annual
Assessment
The district indicates that students K-12 are evaluated using
the MELA-O. The district has qualified MELA-O providers.
Students in grades 3-12 are also evaluated using the MEPA.
The district indicates that all students who are new arrivals to
Billerica Public Schools are also assessed using the LAS-O for
grades K-12 and LAS R/W for newcomers between grades 312. New arrivals are assessed upon entry into the school
system. The district’s annual assessment procedures are
consistent with state requirements.
ELE 2
MCAS
Participation
The district is providing appropriate accommodations for
limited English proficient students. The district is following
state guidelines regarding the participation of LEP students in
MCAS.
ELE 3
Initial
Identification
The district has established procedures for the screening of all
incoming students who may be limited English proficient. The
Department notes, however, that the district’s home language
survey is provided in English. The district should endeavor to
develop home language surveys in the home languages of the
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 19 of 23
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 4
Waiver
Procedures
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
student’s that are potentially Limited English Proficient.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
The district has developed waiver forms. The district has
translated the documents regarding program descriptions and
waiver practices in other languages.
ELE 5
Program
Placement and
Structure
The district indicates that students who are LEP are
“mainstreamed” in general education; in addition, some
students also receive tutorial services from ESL providers. The
district indicates it has conducted extensive staff training at all
schools in Sheltered English Immersion. Attendance sheets
were provided, signed by all staff in participation at the SEI
trainings. Training agendas were provided under ELE 15.
ELE 6
Program Exit
and Readiness
The district uses assessment data (MELA-O, MEPA, LAS-O,
LAS/RW) and classroom performance to determine whether a
student should be designated as Formerly Limited English
Proficient (FLEP).
ELE 7
Parent
Involvement
Parent involvement is encouraged through the participation in
school councils. It is not clear how parents are encouraged to
participate.
The district must document its efforts to solicit parent participation. For example,
what written notifications were provided to parents of LEP students to participate
in school councils? The district will document its activities to the Department as
part of its June 30, 2006 progress report.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 20 of 23
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 8
Declining Entry
to a Program
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
The district indicates that: “parents that have declined
additional language support services will have their child
placed in a classroom with a teacher that is trained in SEI.” It
is unclear how this differs from a parent who allows entry into
a SEI program?
ELE 9
Instructional
Grouping
The district has indicated that their current practice is not to
“mix” instructional age groups.
ELE 10
Parental
Notification
The district provided copies of its English and other language
written notifications to parents.
ELE 11
Equal Access to
Academic
Programs and
Services
The district indicates that students who are Limited English
Proficient (LEP) have access across the program areas and
access to Special Education services. Teachers across grade
levels and curriculum areas are trained in providing Sheltered
English Immersion.
ELE 12
Equal Access to
Nonacademic
and Extracurricular
Programs
The district indicates that students who are Limited English
Proficient (LEP) have access across extracurricular and
nonacademic programs.
ELE 13
The district indicates that follow-up monitoring for LEP
students is done by means of MELA-O observation and
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
The district must clarify what options exist for students of parents who do not
wish their child to be enrolled in the district’s SEI classrooms. Describe what
alternatives exist to provide these students with support. The district will identify
the supports available to students as part of its June 30, 2006 progress report.
There is insufficient information provided by the district on its follow-up
procedures. The district is to identify which staff members are designated to
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 21 of 23
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Follow-up
Support
ELE 14
Licensure and
Fluency
Requirements
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
conversations with the student’s classroom teacher.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
conduct the follow-up. Specifically indicate whether the district intends to use
only the MELA-O trained personnel. Describe how the follow-up is documented
and by whom. Identify what action the district takes if a student is not making
progress. The district must develop a more formalized process for the monitoring
of FLEP students. The district will provide a specific plan for its follow-up
activities and describe how the follow-up is conducted in each of the school
buildings within the school district as part of its June 30, 2006 progress report.
The district has indicated that all staff within the Billerica
Public Schools are fluent in English.
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 22 of 23
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
ELE 15
Professional
Development
Requirements
The district provided its Professional Development plan dated
September 2005. In that plan, the district indicates a district
wide goals and objectives to provide SEI training to staff and
assessment training to staff. Training agendas and teacher
attendance sheets were provided.
ELE 16
Equitable
Facilities (To be reviewed
during next
CPR visit)
The Department did not observe facilities for English
Language Learners. Observations of facilities were limited to
those buildings with special education noncompliance issues
noted in the district’s last Coordinated Program Review. The
district indicates all ELE students are housed in the same
facilities as proficient English speakers.
ELE 17
DOE Data
Submission
Requirements
and Program
Evaluation
The district indicates it uses state testing data and local testing
data to determine the English proficiency of LEP students in
listening, speaking, reading and writing. The district should,
however, examine its program evaluation elements more
closely. Particularly consider:
 which staff members meet to review the data;
 When are reviews of the data conducted; and
 have any program changes been made as a result of the
district’s activities?
ELE 18 Records
of LEP
Students(To be reviewed
during next
CPR visit.)
The Department did not review student records for ELE
students during the Mid-Cycle Review. ELE student records
will be reviewed during the next Coordinated Program
Review. The district indicates that all student data relating to
ELL is placed in the individual school-based cumulative folder
for the student.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
Mid-cycle Cover Letter and Report Format 2006.doc
Rev. 11/28/05
Billerica Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 22, 2006
Page 23 of 23