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
February 3, 2005
Mr. Richard Cunningham, Interim Superintendent
Chicopee Public Schools
180 Broadway
Chicopee, MA 01020
Re:
Onsite Follow-up Monitoring Report: Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action
Plan Verification and Special Education Mid-cycle Review
Dear Superintendent Cunningham:
Enclosed is the Department's Coordinated Program Review Follow-up Monitoring Report
together with findings regarding your district’s Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Review.
This report contains the Department's findings based on the onsite activities conducted in your
school district to verify the implementation status and effectiveness of corrective steps taken in
response to your Coordinated Program Review Report issued on October 1, 2002.
We are pleased to indicate that the Department of Education has found your district's approved
Corrective Action Plan to be substantially implemented and effective in remedying previously
identified noncompliance issues in the areas of Special Education and Methods of
Administration/Civil Rights. However, previously identified noncompliance issues in the area of
English Language Education, formerly Transitional Bilingual Education, have not been as
effectively addressed or corrected. The findings of the Department are included in the attached
Follow-up Monitoring Report.
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
February 18, 2005.
The cooperation, assistance and time from you and your staff throughout these Follow-up
Monitoring activities were very much appreciated. Should you require additional clarification of
information included in our report, please do not hesitate to contact Martha Dodge at 413-2840382.
Sincerely,
Martha H. Dodge, Mid-Cycle Program Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
John D. Stager, Administrator
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Mayor Richard Goyette, School Committee Chairperson
Daniel Schreier, Director of Special Education
Encl.: Follow-up Monitoring Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
Chicopee Public Schools
ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION
Action Plan Submitted on March 21, 2003
Progress Reports Submitted on June 2003, October 2003, June 2004
Onsite Visit Conducted on November 16-19, 2004
Date of this Report: February 3, 2005
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance


Mid-Cycle Special Education Requirements
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
Substantially
Implemented
Specific
Learning
Disability form
within student
records
The Team consistently
implements the special
requirements for
determination of specific
learning disabilities.
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
learning
disabilities
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Description of
district
implementation
practices
regarding
identification of
students with
specific
learning
disabilities
Staff interviews
2
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 6
Determination
of transition
services
(Emphasis on
practices in
determining
needed
transition
planning and
services and
consideration of
courses of study
related to
needed
transition)
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Substantially
Implemented
Student records
District
continuous
improvement
plan
Staff interviews
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
The Team, based upon the
student's needs, determines
the appropriate transition
services for students. The
district ensures that identified
transition services are
consistently implemented.
Students, age 14 and above,
are consistently invited to
and attend Team meetings.
The district ensures that
parents receive reports on the
student’s progress toward
reaching the goals set in the
IEP at least as often as
parents are informed of the
progress of non-disabled
students; and the progress
3
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


reports include the student’s
progress toward the annual
goals and whether that
progress is sufficient for the
student to achieve the goal
by the end of the IEP period.
4
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 15
Outreach by the
School District
(Child Find)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Substantially
Implemented
Copies of
communication
s between
agencies and
the district
Copies of news
releases
SE 17
Initiation of
services at age
three and Early
Intervention
transition
procedures
Substantially
Implemented
SE 18A
Substantially
Student
Records
Staff interviews
Job description
The district ensures annual or
more frequent outreach and
continuous liaison with those
groups from which
promotion or transfer of
students in need of special
education may be expected,
or which would include
students in need of special
education.
The district encourages
referrals from agencies and
individuals for young
children on/before that child
turns 2.5 years old to ensure
continuity of services,
development and
implementation of an IEP for
eligible children by their
third birthday in accordance
with federal guidelines.
The Team, upon determining
5
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
IEP
development
and content
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Implemented
of district's
Team
Facilitator
List of all
persons in the
district
authorized to
commit the
resources of the
school district
during Team
meetings
Student records
that the student is eligible for
special education, uses
evaluation data to develop
the IEP that contains all
required elements.
The district ensures that each
IEP Team has at least one
person with authority to
commit the resources of the
district.
Staff
interviews.
6
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
immediate
provision of
IEP to parent
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


The Team fully develops the
IEP and determines
appropriate placement to
deliver the services on the
student's IEP. In the majority
of cases the district also
provides the parent with two
(2) copies of the proposed
IEP, proposed placement,
and required notice, which is
a substantial improvement
since the Coordinated
Program Review.
Not Fully
Implemented
Student records indicated
that in a minority of
cases, the district does
not consistently provide
the parent with the fully
developed IEP and
placement immediately
following their
development, and within
forty-five school
working days after
receipt of the parent's
written consent to
evaluate.
The district will draft and
distribute a memo to special
education staff, including
Team Chairs, regarding the
requirement of the district to
provide the parent with the
fully developed IEP and
placement immediately
following their development,
and within forty-five school
working days after receipt of
the parent's written consent to
evaluate. A copy of the memo
will be provided to the
Department by July15, 2005.
The district will randomly
select five (5) IEP’s and submit
documentation that the IEP’s
were provided to the parent
within forty-five school
working days after receipt of
the parent’s written consent to
evaluate to the Department by
7
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


July 15, 2005.
8
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 20
Least restrictive
program
selected
Substantially
Implemented
SE 22
IEP
implementation
and availability
(Emphasis on
provision of
IEP services
without delay;
provision of the
IEP at the
beginning of the
school year;
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Description of
district efforts
to establish less
restrictive
special
education
programs and
practices
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
The district ensures the
program selected for a
student is the least restrictive
environment and, when
removal from the general
education classroom is
needed, transition to a less
restrictive program is
promoted.
The district provides the
mutually agreed upon IEP
services without delay and, at
the beginning of each school
year, each eligible student
within the district has an IEP
in effect.
9
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


and, alternative
methods of
service delivery
where there is a
lack of space
and/or
personnel)
10
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 26
Parent
participation in
meetings
(Emphasis on
district’s
attempts to
ensure parent
participation at
IEP Team
meetings)
SE 28
Parent provided
the IEP or
notice of no
eligibility
together with
notification of
procedural
safeguards and
parents' rights
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
As noted in SE 18B
above, in a minority of
cases the district does not
provide the parent with
two copies of the fully
developed IEP
immediately following
its development and
without undue delay.
As noted in SE 18B above, the
district will draft and distribute
a memo to special education
staff, including Team Chairs,
regarding the requirement of
the district to provide the
parent with the fully developed
IEP immediately following its
development and without
undue delay. A copy of the
memo will be provided to the
Department by July 15, 2005.


Substantially
Implemented
Student records
District
continuous
improvement
plan
The district ensures that one
or both parents are members
of the Team and, if neither
parent can attend, uses other
methods to ensure parent
participation in the Team
process.
Staff interviews
The district, at the Team
meeting, fully develops the
IEP and determines
appropriate placement to
deliver the services on the
student's IEP and in the
majority of cases provides
the parent with two (2)
copies of the fully developed
IEP immediately following
its development and without
undue delay.
11
Not Fully
Implemented
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


The district will randomly
select five (5) IEP’s and submit
documentation that the IEP’s
were provided to the parent
within forty-five school
working days after receipt of
the parent’s written consent to
evaluate to the Department by
July 15, 2005.
12
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 29
Communications are in
English and
primary
language of
home
SE 32
Parent advisory
council for
special
education
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Substantially
Implemented
Documentation
Substantially
Implemented
Documentation
Parent
interview
Staff interviews
SE 50
Responsibilities
of the School
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Substantially
Implemented
Documentation
Staff Interviews
The district ensures that
communications with parents
are in simple and commonly
understood words and are in
both English and the primary
language of the home if other
than English.
The district has established a
district-wide parent advisory
council (PAC) on special
education that is offered to
all parents of children with
disabilities and other
interested parties. The
district annually conducts, in
cooperation with the PAC, a
workshop on the rights of
students and their
parents/guardians under state
and federal special education
laws.
The district ensures that
Principals and the
Administrator of Special
13
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Principal and
Administrator
of Special
Education
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Education fulfill the
responsibilities set forth in
state and federal law and
regulations.
14
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
The district did not
submit documentation at
the time of the MidCycle Review.
The district will submit
Professional Development
Plans that include staff training
needs assessments, training
agendas, and other
documentation of special
education related staff
development activities for
paraprofessional staff, regular
education and special
education staff to the
Department by July 15, 2005.


Not Fully
Implemented
SE 54
Professional
development
regarding
special
education
SE 56
Special
education
programs and
services are
evaluated
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
copies of completed
evaluation summaries for
several of its special
education programs along
with information regarding
upcoming evaluations.
Previous Issues of Non-compliance from Coordinated Program Review
SE 1
Assessments
are
appropriately
Substantially
Implemented
Student
Records
Description of
The district has a
comprehensive array of
assessments available to
evaluators, ensures that
15
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
selected and
interpreted for
students
referred for
evaluation
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


district
evaluation
standards and
procedures used
for student
evaluation and
placement
decisions.
assessments are
appropriately selected and
interpreted for students
referred for evaluation, and
staff members consistently
seek parental and student
input.
Staff interviews
16
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 2
Required and
optional
assessments
Substantially
Implemented
SE 4
Reports of
assessment
results
Substantially
Implemented
SE 5
Participation in
general State
and districtwide
assessment
programs
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
The district conducts
required assessments, and
optional assessments as
recommended, for students
referred for special education
evaluations and uses
appropriately credentialed
and trained specialists.
The district ensures that
reports of assessment results
are summarized in writing
and contain all required
elements under this criterion.
The district ensures that all
students with disabilities
whose placements are funded
by the district are included in
the Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment
System (MCAS) and other
district-wide assessment
programs. The district’s IEP
Teams designate how each
17
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


student will participate and,
if necessary, provide an
alternate assessment.
SE 7
Transfer of
parental rights
at age of
majority and
student
participation
and consent at
the age of
majority
Substantially
Implemented
SE 8
Evaluation
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
The district, one year prior to
the student reaching age
eighteen, informs the student
of his or her right at age 18
to make all decisions in
relation to special education
programs and services.
Additionally, upon reaching
the age of eighteen, the
district implements
procedures to obtain consent
from the student to continue
the student’s special
education program. Students,
age 14 and above, are
consistently invited to and
attend Team meetings.
The district ensures that
Evaluation Teams are
18
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Team
composition
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Staff interviews
composed of all required
persons.
19
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 9
Eligibility
determination:
Timelines for
evaluation,
immediate
provision of
IEP
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Similar to SE 18B and
SE 28 above, the district
does not consistently
provide the parent with
the proposed IEP and
placement, or a written
explanation of the
finding of no eligibility
within the required fortyfive school working days
after receipt of the
parent’s written consent
to evaluate.
Similar to SE 18B and SE 28
above, the district will draft
and distribute a memo to
special education staff,
including Team Chairs,
regarding the requirement of
the district to provide the
parent with the proposed IEP
and placement, or a written
explanation of the finding of
no eligibility within the
required forty-five school
working days after receipt of
the parent’s written consent to
evaluate. A copy of the memo
will be provided to the
Department by July 15, 2005.


The district successfully
provides an evaluation and
convenes a Team meeting
within the required forty-five
school working days after
receipt of the parent's written
consent to evaluate.
Not Fully
Implemented
The district will randomly
select five (5) IEP’s and submit
documentation that the IEP’s
were provided to the parent
within forty-five school
working days after receipt of
20
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


the parent’s written consent to
evaluate to the Department by
July 15, 2005.
21
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 10
End of school
year evaluations
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
SE 11
School district
response to
parental request
for independent
educational
evaluation
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
SE 12
Frequency of
Re-Evaluation
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
The district ensures that if
consent is received within
thirty (30) to forty-five (45)
school working days before
the end of the school year, a
Team meeting is scheduled
to allow for the provision of
a proposed IEP or written
notice of the finding of not
eligible no later than fourteen
(14) days after the end of the
school year.
The district implements all
requirements if a parent
disagrees with an initial
evaluation or re-evaluation
completed by the district and
requests an Independent
Educational Evaluation.
The district ensures that
every three years or sooner if
necessary, with parental
consent, conducts a full
22
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 14
Annual review
Team meeting
Substantially
Implemented
SE 19
Extended
evaluation
Substantially
Implemented
SE 23
Confidentiality
of personally
identifiable
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
three-year re-evaluation
consistent with the
requirements of federal law;
and in all cases where it is
suspected that a student in no
longer eligible for special
education.
The district ensures that on
or before the anniversary
date of the IEP, a Team
meeting is held.
The district ensures that if a
Team finds a student eligible
for special education and
finds the evaluation
information insufficient to
develop a full or partial IEP
the Team, with the parents’
consent, agrees to an
extended evaluation period.
The district protects the
confidentiality of any
personally identifiable
information that is collected,
23
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
information
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


used, or maintained in
accordance with federal and
state law.
24
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 24
Notice to parent
regarding
proposal or
refusal to
initiate or
change the
identification,
evaluation, or
educational
placement of
the child or the
provision of
FAPE
SE 25
Parental
consent
SE 27
Content of
Team meeting
notice to
parents
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


Substantially
Implemented
Student records
The district provides required
notice to parents regarding
the district's proposal or
refusal to initiate or change a
student's identification,
evaluation, educational
placement, or provision of
free, appropriate public
education (FAPE).
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
The district obtains informed
parental consent as required
by state and federal law.
The district ensures that
parent notices meet all state
and federal law content
requirements and Team
meeting notices state the
meeting's purpose, time,
location, and attendees.
Substantially
Implemented
Staff interviews
Student records
25
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 33
Involvement in
the general
curriculum
Substantially
Implemented
SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements
Substantially
Implemented
SE 36
IEP
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
District's range
of special
education
program and
related service
options
available to
students
Student records
The district has aligned its
curriculum with the
Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks and at least one
Team member is familiar
with the general curriculum
in order to discuss
appropriate access for the
student. Additionally, in the
IEP, the district documents
the student's participation in
the general curriculum.
The district ensures,
arranges, and provides for a
continuum of services and
alternative placements that
are available to and meet the
needs of students in special
education.
The district, for students
placed out-of-district,
26
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


implementation,
accountability
and financial
responsibility
SE 37
Procedures for
approved and
unapproved
out-of-district
placements
Method(s) of
Verification
Staff interviews
Documenta-tion
Substantially
Implemented
Listing of all
public and
private day and
residential
programs
contracted by
the district
(approved and
unapproved by
the DOE)
oversees and ensures IEP’s
are implemented without
delay upon parent consent
and at no cost to the parent.
The district may access the
parent’s private insurance to
support the costs of IEP
implementation only after
obtaining parental consent
and informing the parent
that, if they refuse consent,
the school district is still
responsible for implementing
the IEP.
The district has appropriate
procedures for placing
students in approved and
unapproved out-of-district
placements.
27
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


SE 39
Procedures used
to provide
services to
eligible students
enrolled in
private schools
at private
expense
Substantially
Implemented
SE 40
Instructional
grouping
requirements
for students
aged five and
older
Substantially
Implemented
Student records
District's
description and
procedures for
students
enrolled in
private schools
at private
expense
Student records
Staff interviews
The district, in consultation
with private school
representatives, determines
the number of eligible
private school students and
implements all applicable
requirements and procedures.
The district ensures that the
size and composition of
instructional groupings for
eligible students receiving
services outside the general
education classroom are
compatible with the methods
and goals stated in each
student’s IEP and all other
requirements as required by
state and federal law.
28
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


SE 41
Age-span
requirements
Substantially
Implemented
SE 42
Programs for
young children
three and four
years of age
Substantially
Implemented
SE 43
Behavioral
interventions
Substantially
Implemented
SE 44
Procedure for
Method(s) of
Verification
Student records
Staff interviews
Student records
Staff interviews
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The district ensures that the
ages of the youngest and
oldest child in any
instructional grouping do not
differ by more than fortyeight months.
The district ensures programs
are available for eligible
children three and four years
of age and those programs
are developmentally
appropriate and specially
designed.
The school district submitted
its newly revised (2004)
Discipline Code that includes
the attendance policy. The
district also indicated the
discipline code is unified and
is working to ensure the code
is applied uniformly
throughout the district.
The school district submitted
its newly revised (2004)
29
Not Fully
Implemented
Based on Progress
Reports reviewed in
The district will submit a copy
of its procedure to record the
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
recording
suspensions
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


Discipline Code that includes
the suspension policy.
30
October 2004: The
suspension policy did not
include a procedure to
record the number and
durations of suspensions
including any
suspensions from any
part of the student’s IEP
program (including
transportation).
number and durations of
suspensions including any
suspensions from any part of
the student’s IEP program
(including transportation) to
the Department by July 15,
2005.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 45
Procedures for
suspension up
to 10 days and
after 10 days
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Based on Progress
Reports reviewed in
October 2004: The
suspension policy did not
include procedures for
suspension of students
with disabilities when
suspensions exceed 10
consecutive school days
or a pattern has
developed for
suspensions exceeding
10 cumulative days.
The district will submit a copy
of its procedures for
suspension of students with
disabilities when suspensions
exceed 10 consecutive school
days or a pattern has developed
for suspensions exceeding 10
cumulative days to the
Department by July 15, 2005.


Substantially
Implemented
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
SE 47
Procedural
requirements
applied to
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Substantially
Implemented
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
The school district submitted
a copy of its draft-working
manual to help district staff
assist and provide FAPE to
eligible students who have
been suspended up to or over
10 days.
The school district submitted
its newly revised (2004)
Discipline Code that includes
the suspension policy.
The school district submitted
documentation regarding
completed staff training
regarding the requirements
31
Not Fully
Implemented
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
students not yet
determined to
be eligible for
special
education
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


October 2004
under this criterion.
32
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Not Fully
Implemented
The district did not
submit documentation at
the time of the MidCycle Review.
The district will provide
documentation that all students
receiving special education,
regardless of placement, shall
have an equal opportunity to
participate in and, if
appropriate, receive credit for
educational, nonacademic,
extracurricular, and ancillary
programs, including vocational
programs to the Department by
July 15, 2005.
Not Fully
Implemented
The district did not
submit documentation at
the time of the MidCycle Review.
The district will submit
documentation that it provides
or arranges for the provision of
transportation and such
developmental, corrective, and
other supportive services as are
required to assist a student to
benefit from special education
or to access the general
curriculum to the Department
by July 15, 2005.


SE 48
(FAPE) Equal
opportunity to
participate in
educational,
nonacademic,
extracurricular
and ancillary
programs, as
well as
participation in
regular
education.
SE 49
Related services
33
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Record reviews indicated
that not all required tests
were present in student
records and, when
present, MELA-O tests
were not consistently
signed by evaluators.
The district will complete a
random check of all ELL
records to verify all required
tests are present and that
MELA-O tests are signed by
evaluators as required. A copy
of the results of this random


SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms

Documentation
SE 57
Special
education child
count

SE 57
Special
education child
count

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
MOA 1
Identification of
limited English
proficient
students
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
As a result of restructuring at
the high school level, the
behavior program at
Chicopee Comprehensive
was eliminated with students
now being served in a less
restrictive environment.
The school district submitted
a description of how it
monitors/maintains and
accurate special education
child count list.
The school district submitted
a description of how it
monitors/maintains and
accurate special education
child count list.
The school district submitted
the names of assessments
that are used to annually
classify and evaluate students
who are limited English
proficient.
34
Not Fully
Implemented
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


check will be provided to the
Department by July 15, 2005.
35
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


MOA 2
Program
modification for
limited English
proficient
students

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
information that describes
how it makes necessary
program modifications to
effectively serve limited
English proficient students.
MOA 3
Access to a full
range of
education
programs

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
status on its on-going process
to provide all students in
grades 7-12 access to the
general education programs
offered by the district.
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
status on its on-going process
to determine the cause of
identified disproportionality
in the areas of special
education, discipline, and
vocational education. The
district submitted an
additional corrective action
MOA 4
Placement of
linguistic, racial
minority and
female/male
students
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
36
Not Fully
Implemented
The district did not
submit further
documentation at the
time of the Mid-Cycle
Review.
The district will submit
documentation on progress it
has made as a result of its
additional corrective action
plan for each area in this
criterion to the Department by
July 15, 2005.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


plan for each area.
37
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


MOA 5
Placement of
disabled
students in
occupational or
vocational
education
programs

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
status on its on-going process
to provide disabled students
access to the general
education programs offered
by the district including
occupational/vocational
programs.
MOA 7
General
information and
materials in
languages other
than English

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
information that supports its
efforts to provide parents or
guardians with limited
English language skills with
school information in their
native language.
MOA 9
Promotional,
recruitment,
and
employment
practices of

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
a form that prospective
employers of students are
required to sign which
ensures employer’s practices
are free of bias and
38
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
prospective
employers of
students
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


discrimination.
39
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


MOA 10
Notification of
school district
staff and the
general public

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
MOA 11
Publication of
notices of nondiscrimination

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
its harassment policy that is
applicable to all protected
classes and is included in the
district’s Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the district
distributes a letter to also
constituents identifying the
contact person should a
harassment issue arise.
The school district submitted
its notice of nondiscrimination that can be
found in the district’s Code
of Conduct.
MOA 12
Grievance
procedures

MOA 13
Availability of
information to

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
Based on
Progress
Reports
The school district submitted
its grievance procedures that
are applicable to all protected
classes and is included in the
Code of Conduct.
The school district submitted
information on the methods
by which Chicopee modifies
40
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
prospective
occupational or
vocational
students
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


reviewed in
October 2004
its occupational/vocational
information given to students
with disabilities and students
with limited English
proficiency.
41
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


MOA 14
Counseling
materials and
activities free
from bias and
stereotypes

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
MOA 16
Notice to
students who
have left or are
about to leave
school without
a high school
diploma
MOA 17
Codes of
conduct and
student
handbooks

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004

Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
The school district submitted
information that it ensures all
school materials and
activities are free from bias
and stereotypes that allow
students to make choices
about their academic and
post-academic future.
The school district submitted
a notice it sends to students
that contains all elements
under this criterion.
The school district submitted
its non-discrimination policy
based on race, color, sex,
religion, national origin,
sexual orientation, and
disability that is included in
the district-wide Code of
Conduct.
42
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified


MOA 18
School district
employee
recruitment
activities
MOA 21
Staff training
regarding civil
rights
responsibilities


Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
MOA 22
Accessibility of
district
programs and
services for
students with
limited physical
mobility

On-site visit
The school district submitted
information regarding its
non-discriminatory
recruitment and hiring
activities.
The school district submitted
a description of its plan to
provide annual in-service
training for all school
personnel regarding civil
rights responsibilities.
The Helen O’Connell
Administration Building is
now fully accessible for
persons with limited physical
mobility with the installation
of two stair lifts. The facility
that originally housed the
district’s alternative high
school is no longer in use
and therefore a moot issue.
The district submitted
information regarding the
feasibility study of its
43
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
MOA 25
Institutional
self-evaluation
ELE 1
(formerly TBE
2 and 4)
Annual
Assessment
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Not Fully
Implemented
Record reviews indicated
that not all required tests
were present in student
records and, when
present, MELA-O tests
were not consistently
signed by evaluators.

Interviews indicated that
testing is administered as
required, but MCAS
results were not present
in student records.
The district will complete a
random check of all ELL
records to verify all required
tests are present and that
MELA-O tests are signed by
evaluators as required. A copy
of the results of this random
check will be provided to the
Department by July 15, 2005.
By 4/1/05, the district must
complete a random check of all
ELL records and report to the
Department the status of
MCAS results within these



Based on
Progress
Reports
reviewed in
October 2004
schools and municipal
buildings that is in process.
The school district submitted
information regarding its
Civil Rights Task Force that
was formed to address the
elements of this criterion.
The Task Force has met two
times and assigned work to
individual members.
Interviews indicated that
testing is completed as
required.
ELE 2
(formerly TBE
2A)
44
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


records.
45
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting

Record reviews and
interviews indicated that
appropriate screening
instruments and home
language surveys are
being utilized; however,
home language surveys
are not consistently
given in the home
language.
By 4/1/05, all home language
surveys must be translated and
used in the native language and
English where appropriate.
Please report the status of this
to the Department by 4/1/05.

Record reviews and
interviews indicate that
the district currently has
not fully implemented
the SEI model within the
district even though
some administrators and
staff are fully aware of
the requirements for SEI
There has been some SEI
training for ELL and regular
education staff; however, the
Department recommends that
the district conduct/participate
in more extensive training for
regular education staff on this
topic to meet the highly
qualified professional


ELE 3
Initial
identification
ELE 4
(formerly TBE
7)
Waiver
procedures
ELE 5
(formerly TBE
5)
Program
placement and
structure
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Not rated.
46
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
and are actively
participating in
Department SEI training.
development standard. Report
to the Department by 4/1/05.


47
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Record reviews and
interviews indicate that
the district has no
standardized criterion
currently in place for
exiting ELL students
although administrators
and staff are currently
developing policies on
this topic.
Record reviews and
interviews indicate that
parental involvement
consists primarily of an
annual open house for
ELL parents instead of a
more formalized
mechanism as required.
Report to the Department by
4/1/05 the status of this project.


ELE 6
(formerly TBE
6)
Program exit
and readiness


ELE 7
(formerly TBE
8)
Parent
involvement
ELE 8
(formerly TBE
7)
Declining entry
to a program
ELE 9
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Not rated.
Not rated.
48
The district must develop by
4/1/05 a more formalized
mechanism and multiple
opportunities at each school for
parents of ELL students.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Record reviews and
interviews indicate that
the district does not have
an appropriate
notification letter that
meets the criterion stated
above.
By 4/1/05, the district must
develop an appropriate
notification letter and submit to
the Department for review.


(formerly TBE
11)
Instructional
grouping
ELE 10
(formerly TBE
1 and 9)
Parental
notification

49
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting

Record reviews and
interviews indicated that
at some schools ELL
students are not
consistently provided
with adequate support in
regular education
courses, do not have
access to support
services such as
guidance and counseling
in the native language
and standards are not
based on MA. English
Language Proficiency
Benchmarks and
Outcomes.
By 4/1/05, the district must
submit a narrative describing
how it will improve support for
ELL students in regular
education courses, provide
access to guidance and
counseling in the native
language, and more fully align
curriculum with English
Language Proficiency
Benchmarks and Outcomes.

Record reviews and
By 4/1/05, the district must


ELE 11
Equal access to
academic
programs and
services
ELE 12
Equal access to
nonacademic
and
extracurricular
programs
ELE 13
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Not rated.
50
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
interviews indicated that
the district currently has
no formalized internal
monitoring process in
place, but a process is
currently under
development by the ELL
director.
Record reviews indicate
that some ELL teachers
are not appropriately
certified and the director
does not have ELL, ESL,
or TBE certification.
See ELE 5.
describe its internal monitoring
process to the Department.
Record reviews and
interviews give no
indication of any attempt
By 4/1/05, the district must
describe to the Department its
process for evaluating the


(formerly TBE
7)
Follow-up
support
ELE 14
Licensure and
fluency
requirements
ELE 15
Professional
development
requirements
ELE 16
Equitable
facilities
ELE 17
(formerly TBE
3)
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
By 4/1/05, the district must
submit a specific plan for
obtaining appropriate licensure
for all staff and administrators.
Same as ELE 5.
Not rated.
51
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be
Substantially
Implemented
Method(s) of
Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented
or Additional
Issues
Identified
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting


DOE data
submission
requirements
and program
evaluation
by the district to conduct
periodic evaluations of
the effectiveness of its
ELE programs.
effectiveness of its ELE
programs.
ELE 18
Records of LEP
students
Record reviews clearly
indicated that not all
required elements stated
in this criterion are
present in student
records.
By 4/1/05, the district must
complete a random check of all
ELL records to verify that all
required elements are present
in the records and report the
results of this random check to
the Department.
52