Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4096
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
April 11, 2011
Elizabeth Sorrell, Superintendent
Carver Public Schools
3 Carver Square Blvd.
Carver, MA 02330
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Sorrell:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report based on the onsite visit
conducted in your district in February 2011. During the Mid-Cycle Review the Department monitored selected special
education criteria to determine your district’s compliance with special education laws and regulations. The review
consisted of information gathered from one or more of the following activities: interviews, review of student records,
examination of documentation, and classroom observation(s).
The Department determined that one or more of the criteria monitored in your district was “Partially Implemented” or
“Not Implemented.” In all instances where noncompliance was found, the Department has prescribed corrective
action for the district. This corrective action must be implemented 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 submitting progress reports using the enclosed form.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that all of the required corrective action will be
implemented by your district within the timelines specified in the report. You must submit your statement of
assurance to Darlene Lynch, Director, Program Quality Assurance Services, by April 25, 2011.
Your staff's cooperation throughout this Mid-cycle Review is appreciated. If you have questions about this letter or
the enclosed report, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Nichols at 781-338-3722.
Sincerely,
Susan Nichols, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
cc:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
Vani Rastogi-Kelly, Supervisor, Program Quality Assurance Services
Albert Spicer, School Committee Chairperson
Karen Teichert, Local Program Review Coordinator
Encs:
Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report Form
1
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Carver Public School District
Date of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: February 17, 2011
Date of this Report: April 11, 2011
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN TWO SECTIONS.
Required Special Education Criteria Monitored in this Mid-cycle Review
Current special education criteria available by scrolling down to the special education instrument at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
SE 7
Transfer of
parental
rights at age
of majority
and student
participation
and consent
at the age of
majority
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Student
records
A review of student records and
interviews indicated that the district
follows appropriate procedures for the
transfer of parental rights at the age of
majority and student participation and
consent at the age of majority.
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 1 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

SE 52A
Registration
of educational
interpreters

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Documentation
The educational interpreters providing
services to students who are deaf or
hard of hearing are registered with the
Massachusetts Commission for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 2 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Additional Special Education Criteria Monitored in this Mid-cycle Review
Current special education criteria available by scrolling down to the special education instrument at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
SE 2
Required and
optional
assessments
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
learning
disability
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)

Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Student
records
A review of student records and
interviews indicated that the district
is completing assessments in all areas
related to the suspected disability.
Interviews
PI
Student
records
A review of the student records
indicated that when a student
suspected of having a specific
learning disability (SLD) is
evaluated, the IEP Team does not
always create a written determination
as to whether or not the student has a
SLD that is signed by all members of
the Team. In addition, the required
documentation and forms are not
always completed, and observations
were not completed within the
required timelines.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Train all appropriate staff on the special
requirements for determination of a SLD.
Include in the training the written
determination as to whether or not the
student has a SLD, which is signed by all
Team members, or if there is a
disagreement as to the determination, one
or more IEP Team members document
their disagreement. Also, address the SLD
eligibility process forms and conducting
observations.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system to ensure that IEP Teams
appropriately complete the written
determination and eligibility process
forms, and conduct observations, when a
student is suspected of having a SLD.
Conduct an internal review of records in
which a student was suspected of having a
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 3 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
By May 27, 2011,
submit an agenda,
signed attendance
sheets (indicating
role of staff) and
training materials
for staff training on
the requirements for
eligibility
determination of a
SLD. In addition,
submit the
description of the
internal oversight
and tracking system
and identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight.
By October 14,
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
SLD since the district’s corrective actions
were implemented to determine whether
the written determination, required forms
and observations are appropriately
completed.
*Please note when conducting internal
monitoring 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 records reviewed;
b) Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the review,
with their role(s) and signature(s).
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 4 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
2011, submit a
report of the results
of an internal
review of records of
students suspected
of having a SLD
who have been
evaluated since the
district’s corrective
actions were
implemented.
Include the
following:
 Number of
records
reviewed;
 Number of
records that
included
appropriate
documentation
for the
determination of
a SLD;
 Description of
the root causes
for any noncompliance
found; and
 Specific actions
taken by the
district to remedy
any noncompliance.
Criterion
SE 4
Reports of
assessments
results
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
PI
Student
records
A review of student records indicated
that reports of assessment results do
not consistently define in detail and
in educationally relevant and
common terms, the student’s needs,
offering explicit means of meeting
those needs.
Train special education staff and related
service providers on writing reports of
assessment results. Specifically include in
the training the requirement to define in
detail and in educationally relevant and
common terms, the student’s needs,
offering explicit means of meeting those
needs.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system to ensure that all reports
of assessment results define in detail and
in educationally relevant and common
terms, the student’s needs, offering
explicit means of meeting those needs.
Conduct an internal review of reports of
assessment results developed since the
district’s corrective actions were
implemented for determining whether the
reports include the required information.
*Please note when conducting internal
monitoring that the district must
maintain the following documentation
and make it available to the
Department upon request:
a) List of the student names and grade
levels for the records reviewed; b) Date
of the review; c) Name of person(s) who
conducted the review, their role(s), and
signature(s).
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 5 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
By May 27, 2011,
submit an agenda,
signed attendance
sheets (including
role of staff), and
materials used for
training special
education staff and
related service
providers on writing
reports of
assessment results.
Also submit the
description of the
internal oversight
and tracking system
and identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight.
By October 14,
2011, submit a
report of an internal
review of a random
sample of reports of
assessments results
from all buildings,
developed after the
district’s corrective
actions were
implemented.
Include the
following
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
information:
 Number of
reports of
assessment
results reviewed;
 Number of
reports of
assessment
results in
compliance with
these
requirements;
 Description of
the root causes
for any
noncompliance
found; and
 Specific actions
taken by the
district to remedy
any
noncompliance.
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
PI
Student
records
Interviews
A review of the student records and
interviews indicate that general
education teachers do not
consistently attend IEP Team
meetings when the student is or may
be involved in a general education
program. When the required member
was not in attendance, there was no
indication that the parent and district
agreed that the member’s attendance
was not necessary, the parent’s
Train Team Chairpersons on the
requirements of IEP Team composition
and attendance, as well as excusal
procedures. Include in this training the
following procedures for excusing a
required Team member: (1) The district
and parent must agree that the member’s
attendance is not necessary or consent to
the member’s excusal; (2) The parent’s
agreement or consent is in writing; and
(3) The required Team member submits in
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 6 of 11
By May 27, 2011,
submit an agenda,
signed attendance
sheets (including
role of staff), and
materials used for
training on IEP
Team composition
and attendance, as
well as excusal
procedures. Also
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
agreement or consent was not in
writing and the Team member did
not submit in writing any input he or
she has related to the IEP’s
development.
writing any input that he or she has related
to the IEP’s development.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system to ensure that IEP Teams
include the required members or, when a
required member is not in attendance, the
appropriate excusal procedures are
followed.
Conduct an internal review of records in
which a Team meeting was held since the
district’s corrective actions were
implemented for ensuring appropriate IEP
Team composition and attendance, as well
as following appropriate excusal
procedures.
*Please note when conducting internal
monitoring that the district must
maintain the following documentation
and make it available to the
Department upon request:
a) List of the student names and grade
levels for the records reviewed; b) Date
of the review; c) Name of person(s) who
conducted the review, their role(s), and
signature(s).
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 7 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
submit the
description of the
internal oversight
and tracking system
and identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight.
By October 14,
2011, submit a
report of an internal
review of a random
sample of student
records from all
buildings in which
an IEP Team
meeting was held
subsequent to the
district’s
implementation of
the corrective
actions. Include the
following
information:
 Number of
records
reviewed;
 Number of IEP
Teams with the
required
members in
attendance or
appropriate
excusal
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
procedures;
 Description of
the root causes
for any
noncompliance
found; and
 Specific actions
taken by the
district to remedy
any
noncompliance.
SE 18A
IEP
development
and content
PI
Student
records
A review of the student records
indicated that IEPs do not
consistently include all of the
required information. In particular,
the Present Levels of Educational
Performance (PLEP) B page of the
IEP does not always address other
educational needs and age-specific
considerations, when appropriate.
Train Team chairpersons on IEP
development and content, including the
requirement to complete the PLEP B
section of the IEP, as appropriate.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system to ensure that Teams are
addressing the PLEP B section of the IEP,
in particular other educational needs and
age-specific considerations.
Conduct an internal review of records in
which IEPs were developed since the
district’s corrective actions were
implemented for completion of the PLEP
B section of the IEP.
*Please note when conducting internal
monitoring the district must maintain
the following documentation and make
it available to the Department upon
request: a) List of student names and
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 8 of 11
By May 27, 2011,
submit an agenda,
signed attendance
sheets, and
materials used for
the training on the
requirement to
include information
on the PLEP B page
of the IEP.
Also submit the
description of the
internal oversight
and tracking system
and identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight.
By October 14,
2011, submit a
report of an internal
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
grade levels for the records reviewed;
b) Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the review,
with their role(s) and signature(s).
SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
provision of
IEP to parent

Student
records
A review of student records indicated
that the type of placement in the IEP
was consistent with the service
delivery grid for all students.
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 9 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
review of a random
sample of IEPs
from all buildings,
written after the
district’s corrective
actions were
implemented.
Include the
following
information:
 Number of IEPs
reviewed;
 Number of IEPs
that included
information on
the PLEP B page
of the IEP, as
appropriate;
 Description of
the root causes
for any
noncompliance
found; and
 Specific actions
taken by the
district to remedy
any
noncompliance.
Criterion
SE 20
Least
restrictive
program
selected
SE 25
Parental
consent
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation

Student
records
A review of the student records
indicated that non-participation
justification statements were
consistent with the IEP service
delivery grid.

Student
records
A review of the student records and
interviews indicated that all
evaluations consented-to by the
parents were provided.
Interviews
SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements
SE 37
Procedures for
approved and
unapproved
out-of-district
placements
SE 41
Age span
requirements
Basis of Determination about
Criterion

Student
records
Interviews

Student
records
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
A review of the student records and
interviews indicated that students
who have emotional disabilities have
access to and are provided with
counseling services, as indicated on
their IEPs.
A review of the student records,
interviews and documentation
indicated that the district has
appropriate contracts for all out-ofdistrict placements.
Documentation
Documentation

Interviews
A review of the documentation and
interviews indicated that the ages of
the students in the substantially
separate class at Carver High School
do not differ by more than 48
months.
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 10 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 51
Appropriate
special
education
teacher
licensure
SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Documentation
A review of the documentation
indicated that all special education
teachers have current and appropriate
licensure.

Observations
PI
Interviews
The high school prevocational class
is appropriate for the number of
students assigned to it.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Develop a plan, including timelines, to
address the use of space at the IMC when
multiple services are taking place at the
same time.
Students from the elementary school
are provided with substantially
separate services in an appropriate
space within the elementary school.
It was previously reported through
the school district’s progress
reporting that the Instructional Media
Center (IMC) was no longer being
used for the delivery of special
education and the scheduling of
multiple groups at the same time.
However, observations indicate that
there is an area of the IMC where
classes are held and the spaces are
shared for special education pull-out
services, oral reading for literacy, and
Title I services that occur at the same
time. This does not provide for
student confidentiality.
Carver Public School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 11, 2011
Page 11 of 11
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
By May 27, 2011,
submit the plan with
timelines to address
the use of space at
the IMC when
multiple services
take place at the
same time.
Also subject to onsite verification.
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District: Carver Public School District
M I D – CY C L E P R O G R E S S R E P O R T
Date Prepared: ____________________________________
Prepared by: __________________________________________________________________
(name and title)
Criterion: _______________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
For each criterion for which you prepare a progress report, please



make a copy of this cover page,
fill in the information requested above, and
attach a complete description of the corrective action taken and any accompanying documentation.
(Description of corrective action for each criterion and any accompanying documentation should include all of the
“Progress Report Required Elements” for that criterion in the Mid-cycle Report.)
Send the whole set of completed progress reports to:
Darlene Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906