Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
350 Main Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-5023
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
July 18, 2008
Mr. Scott McCue, Head of School
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School
1286 Hyde Park Avenue
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Re: Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Mid-cycle Report
Dear Mr. McCue:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle
Report. This report contains findings based on onsite monitoring the
Department conducted to determine the effectiveness of corrective action it
approved or ordered to address noncompliance identified in your district’s last
Coordinated Program Review Report, dated April 18, 2006. The Mid-cycle
Report also contains findings based on onsite monitoring of special education
compliance criteria that have been created or substantially changed in response
to IDEA 2004.
We are pleased to tell you that the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education has found the Corrective Action Plan implemented by your school to
have been effective in substantially remedying the previously identified
noncompliance in Special Education. The Department has also found your
school to have implemented special education compliance criteria that were
created or substantially changed in response to IDEA 2004, as well as SE 33 on
the access of students with disabilities to the district’s general curriculum (the
curriculum expected to be taught to all students). The findings of the
Department are included in the enclosed report. You and your entire staff are to
be congratulated for your success in implementing new special education
requirements as well as maintaining compliance in areas where the Department
found noncompliance during the 2005 Coordinated Program Review (CPR).
Please note: There are six criteria with new issues requiring corrective action, as
1
indicated in the attached report, with timelines for implementation.
The onsite team would like to commend the following practice that was brought
to its attention and that the team believes have a significant positive impact on
the education of students enrolled in the Boston Preparatory Charter Public
School. This practice is as follows:
The charter school has implemented co-taught inclusion classes for
students. Staff members use this model flexibly to meet the needs of
students with and without disabilities. For example, the two teachers
within a class may switch between the roles from teaching to supporting
students. One teacher may take a small group out of the class for review
or extension work, or the class might be split into two equal sized groups
with a variety of skill levels for smaller group direct instruction.
Additionally, the special education teacher or speech language therapist
makes any necessary accommodations or modifications necessary to
ensure access to the general curriculum. These teams meet at least weekly
to co-plan lessons and develop materials. Approximately 17 co-taught
classes are taught each day at BPCPS.
The Department will notify you of your district's next regularly scheduled CPR
several months before it is to occur. At this time, we anticipate that this CPR will
occur sometime during the 2010-2011 school year unless the Department
determines that there is some reason to schedule this visit earlier.
In all instances where noncompliance has been found, the Department has
prescribed corrective action for the district that must be implemented
immediately. (In the case of new findings of noncompliance, this corrective
action must be corrected as soon as possible, but in no case later than a year from
the date of this report.) You will find these requirements for corrective action
included in the enclosed report, along with requirements for progress reporting.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that your district,
within the timelines specified in the report, will implement all of the
Department’s requirements for corrective action. You must submit your
statement of assurance to me by August 4, 2008.
2
Your staff's cooperation throughout this Mid-cycle Review is appreciated.
Should you like clarification of any part of our report, please do not hesitate to
contact me at 781-338-3741.
Sincerely,
Jane L. Ewing, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary
Education
Justin Funches, Chairperson, Boston Preparatory Charter Public School
Board of Trustees
Michaela Crowley, Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Mid-cycle Report
3
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
BOSTON PREPARATORY CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR) Final Report: April 18, 2006
Date Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Approved: October 20, 2006
Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: December 14, 2006; April 12, 2007; June 21, 2007
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: June 5-6, 2008
Date of this Report: July 18, 2008
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN SEVERAL SECTIONS.
Special Education Criteria Cited in CPR Report and Monitored in Mid-cycle
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
All students with disabilities
take the MCAS. The school
has not yet used an alternate
assessment but staff
members have experience
developing an MCAS-ALT
Portfolio.

SE 5
Participation in
general State
and districtwide assessment
programs
Implemented
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 1 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
MCAS accommodations are
tailored to each student’s
needs to maximize student
performance. Student
instructional
accommodations
appropriately mirror MCAS
accommodations.
SE 9A
Elements of the
eligibility
determination
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
Boston Preparatory Charter
Public School (BPCPS) uses
a private assessment and
consultation service
company to provide
evaluations for students.
Extended evaluations are
used if any questions about
the students’ needs remain.
If a BPCPS Team determines
that a student is no longer
eligible for special
education, a 504 plan is
developed, if appropriate.
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 2 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification

SE 11
Independent
educational
evaluation
Partially
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
New Issue
Identified
The school’s IEE policy
appropriately describes
parents’ rights to
independent evaluations
when parents disagree
with an evaluation
administered by the
school, including
provisions for funding
and possible evaluators.
However, BPCPS’ policy
does not include parents’
rights to an IEE when the
parent is requesting an
evaluation in an area not
assessed by the school
district and the district’s
options for responding to
such requests.
Revise BPCPS’ independent
educational evaluation policy
to include that a parent may
request an evaluation in an area
not assessed by the school and
that parents may request a
publicly funded IEE under 603
CMR 28.04(5)(c) for sixteen
(16) months from the date of
the evaluation with which the
parent disagrees.
Additionally, BPCPS’
policy does not state that
parents may request a
publicly funded IEE under
603 CMR 28.04(5)(c) for
sixteen (16) months from
the date of the evaluation
with which the parent
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 3 of 16
Provide the revised policy and
evidence that the policy has
been reviewed with key school
personnel responsible for its
implementation to the
Department by September 20,
2008.
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
disagrees.
SE 19
Extended
Evaluations
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
BPCPS’ IEP Teams
appropriately use extended
evaluations. Student records
demonstrated that extended
evaluations did not go
beyond 8 weeks; Teams
develop a partial IEP when
appropriate; and IEP Teams
reconvene promptly upon
completion of the extended
evaluation.
SE 20
Least
Restrictive
Placement
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
The school has developed
teaching practices to address
student needs and strives to
include students in general
education programs. BPCPS
provides extensive
professional development
and training on inclusion
practices for all staff.
SE 22
IEP
implementation
Implemented
Interviews,
student records
At the beginning of each
school year, the school
ensures an IEP is in effect for
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 4 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
New issue
identified
The school does not
consistently issue a
Notice of School District
Refusal to Act (N2) when
a finding of no eligibility
is made.
Please provide staff training
regarding the circumstances for
the use of N2 forms (Refusals
to Act) to parents or guardians.
Please provide the Department
with the date of the training,
the names of the staff in
attendance and the name of the
trainer by September 20,
2008.
each eligible student.
and availability
BPCPS makes every effort to
obtain each incoming
student’s prior IEP, convene
a meeting with parents
immediately, and adapt it for
BPCPS.
When a related service
provider has missed services,
the school promptly notifies
the parent and plans
compensatory services.
SE 24
Notice to parent
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
Please conduct a selfmonitoring of student records
where the Team has refused to
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 5 of 16
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
act in some context, whether
denying eligibility or refusal to
provide a service, for the
issuance of an N2 form post training.
Provide an analysis of the
results of the review, including
the number of records with N2
notifications, the rate of
compliance, and any corrective
action taken to address the
continued non-compliance.
Proved the analysis to the
Department by December 12,
2008.
SE 25A
Notice to BSEA
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
The school notifies the
BSEA within timelines upon
receipt of a rejected or
partially rejected IEP.
SE 29
Language of
Communication
to Parents
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
Student records
demonstrated that the school
translates all documents if
needed for a parent with
limited English proficiency.
Additionally, the school’s
private evaluation company
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 6 of 16
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
has the capability to assess
students who speak
languages other than English.
BPCPS provides interpreters
at meetings if required by
parents.
SE 32
Special
Education
Parent
Advisory
Council
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
The school has an active
Parent Advisory Council.
BPCPS submitted its Basic
Rights Workshop flier
(provided by the Federation
for Children with Special
Needs); copies of the slide
presentation; and a copy of
the SPED PAC’s bylaws.
SE34
Continuum of
Services and
Placements
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
The school has a continuum
of services and placements to
meet the current needs of its
population.
SE 35
Assistive
Technology
Implemented
Document
review,
interviews,
student records
BPCPS IEP Teams consider
assistive technology for each
student.
SE 56
Implemented
Document
BPCPS conducts annual
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 7 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
review,
interviews,
student records
evaluations of its special
education programming.
Parents are surveyed
regarding several program
elements, including the
quality of related services
and their perception of the
co-teaching model. Coteachers are surveyed on the
success of their working
relationship and efficacy of
service provided. Teachers
are asked to self-evaluate and
provide feedback on their
knowledge of special
education practices,
implementation of student
accommodations, and
usefulness of the school’s
pre-referral process.
Students are surveyed on
their use of school services.

Evaluation of
Programs &
Services
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
The school uses student
achievement data, including
MCAS item analysis and
student retention and exit
trends to evaluate its
programs and services.
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 8 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
The results are shared with
the Board of Trustees and
other stakeholders within the
school community.
Special Education Criteria Created or Revised in Response to IDEA-2004
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
learning
disability
Implemented
Interviews,
student
records
Student records and staff
interviews demonstrated that
when a student suspected of
having a specific learning
disability is evaluated, the Team
creates a written determination
as to whether or not he or she
has a specific learning
disability. All members of the
Team sign the document, or if
there is disagreement as to the
determination, one or more
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 9 of 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Partially
Implemented
The school developed a
policy that staff would not
Please revise Boston
Preparatory Charter Public
Team members document their
disagreement.
SE 6 ##1 - 3
Determination
of Transition
Services
Implemented
Student
records,
interviews
With the addition of its 9th
grade, BPCPS has developed
appropriate transition plans for
students on IEPs who are 14 and
older.
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
Implemented
Student
records,
interviews
BPCPS has a 99% parent
attendance rate at their IEP
Team meetings. Teaching staff
attend IEP meetings, as do
related service providers. The
school has developed a Team
member excusal form.
SE 12
Frequency of
re-evaluation
Implemented
Student
records,
interviews
BPCPS re-evaluates students
every three years as required by
law. In circumstances where
the student records do not
indicate a student’s eligibility
date, the school will re-assess
the student.
In some instances, when
students are re-evaluated and
found not eligible for special
education services, the school
develops a 504 Plan.
SE 13
Progress
Student
records,
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 10 of 16
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Reports and
content
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
interviews,
document
review
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
write a progress report if
the student’s IEP meeting
had been held 6 weeks or
less before the date of the
progress reports, as the
parents had recently been
informed of the student’s
progress.
School’s policy and procedures
to conform to state special
education regulations, e.g., that
written progress reports for
eligible students shall be
submitted to parents at least as
often as report cards or
progress reports for students
without disabilities, in
accordance with the school’s
schedule of report cards.
Provide the revised policy and
evidence that the revised
procedure has been reviewed
with key school personnel
responsible for its
implementation to the
Department by September 20,
2008.
Please review a random
selection of 15 records across
the school’s grade levels for
evidence that written progress
reports for eligible students are
submitted to parents at least as
often as report cards or
progress reports for students
without disabilities, in
accordance with the school’s
schedule of report cards
between the months of
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 11 of 16
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
September and December
2008.
Provide an analysis of the
results of the review, including
the number of records
reviewed, the rate of
compliance, and any corrective
action taken to address the
continued non-compliance.
Proved the analysis to the
Department by December 12,
2008.
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
Implemented
Student
records,
interviews
The school reviews all IEPs at
least annually. Additionally, the
school uses the amendment
process appropriately to change
a student’s IEP between annual
reviews if warranted.
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
Implemented
Document
review
The school has not had any
situations requiring a resolution,
but BPCPS has procedures that
reiterate the requirements under
34 CFR 300.510.
SE 33
Involvement in
the General
Implemented
Interviews,
document
review
All students with disabilities are
involved in the general
curriculum to the fullest extent
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 12 of 16
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Curriculum
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
days
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Partially
Implemented
See remarks under
CR 10A.
See remarks under
CR 10A.
possible and are provided with
extensive, individualized
support to promote student
success. In addition to special
education services, every
student in the school has access
to homework support, Saturday
support, and content mastery
support.
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 13 of 16
Criteria from Other Regulated Programs Monitored During this Mid-cycle Review
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
ELE 11
Equal Access
to Academic
Programs &
Services
Implemented
Staff
interviews,
documents
CR 26A
Confidentiality
and student
records
Partially
Implemented
Student
records
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
Or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective
Or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Special education staff
members have cut and
pasted text that contains
student names for letters
to different families.
Please develop a method or
system to ensure that student
names will not appear in the
text of another student’s
documents.
Provide a description of the
system and its implementation
plan to the Department by
September 20, 2008.
All students have equal access
to academic programs and
services, including support
services, advanced work
opportunities, and
extracurricular activities.
New issue
identified
Please review a random
selection of at least 15 records
across the school’s grade levels
for evidence that the school’s
method or system to ensure
student confidentiality is
successful.
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 14 of 16
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
Or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective
Or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Provide an analysis of the
results of the review, including
the number of records
reviewed, the rate of
compliance, and any corrective
action taken to address the
continued non-compliance.
Proved the analysis to the
Department by December 12,
2008.
CR 10A
Student
handbooks and
codes of
conduct
Partially
Implemented
Document
review
New Issue
Identified
The charter school’s
student code of conduct
contains only a statement
that a copy of the
procedural rights and
protections of a student
with disabilities may be
obtained from the Dean of
Support Services, instead
of the following:
Please revise the school’s code
of conduct/student handbook to
include the procedures assuring
due process in disciplinary
proceedings and appropriate
procedures for the discipline of
students with special needs and
students with Section 504
Accommodation Plans for the
2008-2009 school year.
a) Procedures assuring
due process in
disciplinary proceedings
b) Appropriate procedures
for the discipline of
students with special
needs and students with
Provide a copy of the text that
the school will add to the
handbook and evidence that
these procedures have been
reviewed with key personnel
responsible for their
implementation to the
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
Page 15 of 16
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
Or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective
Or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Section 504
Accommodation Plans.
Department by September 20,
2008.
Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 18, 2008
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