Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4906
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
June 22, 2010
Susan Skeiber, Superintendent of Schools
Duxbury Public Schools
130 Saint George Street
Duxbury, MA 02332
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Skeiber:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report
based on the Mid-cycle Review conducted in your district in April 2010. In this Midcycle 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: staff
interviews, review of student records, examination of documentation, and/or classroom
observation.
The Department found one or more of the criteria monitored in your district to be
“Partially Implemented” or “Not Implemented.” In all instances where noncompliance
has been 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 July 9, 2010.
1
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 Nancy
Hicks at (781) 338-3714.
Sincerely,
Nancy Hicks, 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
Anne Ward, School Committee Chairperson
Bruce Cole, Local Program Review Coordinator
Encs: Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report Form
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Duxbury Public Schools
Date of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: April 29, 2010
Date of this Report: June 22, 2010
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 3
Special
requirements for
the determination
of a specific
learning disability
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
PI
Student
Records
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
The district did not
consistently use the most
recent forms for the
determination of a specific
learning disability (SLD).
Additionally, when Team
members agreed on the
determination of a SLD,
records did not always
include the signatures of
all IEP Team members.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for
Implementation
Train staff on the special
requirements for determination
of a SLD, including the
eligibility process forms. Also
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
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 1 of 12
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Provide an agenda,
signed attendance
sheets (indicating
role of staff) and
training materials
for staff training on
the requirements for
the determination of
a SLD. Also submit
the description of
the internal
Team members document their
disagreement.
Develop an internal oversight
and tracking system to ensure
that Teams appropriately
complete the written
determination and eligibility
process forms.
Develop a report of the internal
review of student records
regarding the special
requirements for determination
of a SLD.
*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).
SE 52A
Registration of
educational

Documentation
Interviews
The district uses
educational interpreters
who are registered with the
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 2 of 12
oversight and
tracking system.
Submit this
information by
November 1, 2010.
Submit a report of
the internal review
of records of
students suspected
of having a SLD and
who have been
evaluated since the
training. 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.
Submit this report
by March 1, 2011.
Massachusetts
Commission for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing.
interpreters
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
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
SE 1

Student
Records
Assessments are
appropriately selected
and interpreted for
students referred for
evaluation
SE 6
Assessments are appropriately
selected to assess in the area of
suspected disability.

Student
Records
Teams determine transition
services as appropriate and
transition planning includes
relevant goals for the student.
Information is available to the
Team regarding courses of
study needed to reach the
goals, including vocational
education. The Team takes into
account student preferences
when discussing transition
services and students are
invited to attend the Team
meeting at which transition
services are discussed or
Determination of
transition services
Interviews
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 3 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 8
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation

Student
Records

Student
Records

Student
Records

Student
Records
IEP Team composition
and attendance
SE 9
Timeline for
determination of
eligibility and provision
of documentation to
parent
SE 12
Frequency of reevaluation
SE 14
Review and revision of
IEPs
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
proposed.
General education teachers are
present at all Team meetings
when a student may be
involved in a general education
program. Team meetings also
include a representative who
has the authority to commit the
resources of the district.
Evaluations are completed
within 30 school working days
of receipt of parental consent
and the Team meets within 45
school working days to
determine whether the student
is eligible for special
education. The district provides
to the parent either a proposed
IEP and placement, or a written
explanation of the finding of no
eligibility.
The district conducts reevaluations every three years
as required.
Annual review Team meetings
are held on or before the
anniversary date of the IEP,
and IEP amendments are no
longer used to extend IEP
timelines.
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 4 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 18A
Criterion
Implemented


IEP development and
content
SE 18B
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Student
Records
The district individualizes
specially designed instruction
and participation in the general
curriculum in IEPs to meet
student-specific needs. Special
education services are
implemented as set forth in the
IEP, and IEPs are not changed
at a higher administrative level
within the district.
The district includes the IEP
placement pages in the student
records for students at the high
school and for students placed
out-of-district. Placement
pages of IEPs at the middle
school were consistent with the
service delivery.
Each teacher is informed of his
or her specific responsibilities
related to the implementation
of the student’s IEP; teachers
receive a summary of the IEP
and have access to the
complete IEP on-line. The
letter to notify parents of a
delay of implementation of the
IEP includes alternative
methods to meet the student’s
goals on the accepted IEP.
Interviews

Student
Records

Interviews
Determination of
placement; provision of
IEP to parent
SE 22
IEP implementation
and availability
Documentation
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 5 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
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
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
The district does not
consistently complete the
Notice of Proposed School
District Action (N1 form).
Although the district provides
the N1 form to parents, the
district does not always
respond to the six questions,
consistent with federal
requirements, on page 2 of the
form.
Train staff on providing all of
the required information on
page 2 of the N1 form when
proposing an IEP or evaluation.
Develop an internal oversight
and tracking system to ensure
that all questions are addressed
on page 2 of the N1 form.
Develop a report of the internal
review of student records
regarding the appropriate
completion of the N1 form.
*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).
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 6 of 12
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Provide an
agenda, signed
attendance
sheets
(indicating role
of staff) and
training
materials for
staff training
on the
requirements
for completing
the N1 form.
Also submit the
description of
the internal
oversight and
tracking
system. Submit
this
information by
November 1,
2010.
Submit a report
of the internal
review of
records in
which an N1
form was
developed after
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
the training.
Include the
following:
 Number of
records
reviewed;
 Number of
records that
included
appropriate
completion
of the N1
form;
 Description
of the root
causes for
any noncompliance
found; and
 Specific
actions taken
by the
district to
remedy any
noncompliance.
Submit this
report by
March 1,
2011.
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 7 of 12
Criterion
SE 32
Criterion
Implemented


Parent advisory council
for special education
SE 34
Continuum of
alternative services and
placements
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Documentation
The district has worked, in
collaboration with the special
education parent advisory
council (PAC), to conduct a
workshop on parent and
student rights. The PAC
advises the district on matters
that pertain to the education
and safety of students with
disabilities and the PAC meets
with school officials to provide
input regarding the school
district’s special education
programs.
Although the district does not
have an agreement with any
vocational schools, guidance
staff assist students who wish
to apply to vocational schools
in the area. Visits are arranged
for students who express an
interest and guidance staff
facilitate the application
process. Vocational offerings
at the high school include
culinary arts, early childhood
education, technology,
computer science, and media.
There are opportunities for
supervised work experiences
and career seminars.
Interviews

Interviews
Documentation
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 8 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 35
Criterion
Implemented


Assistive technology:
specialized materials
and equipment
SE 36

Educational services in
institutional settings
(ESIS)
Student
Records
Student
Records
Interviews

Procedures for
approved and
unapproved out-ofdistrict placements
SE 38
Method(s) of
Investigation
Interviews
IEP implementation,
accountability and
financial responsibility
SE 37
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Student
Records
Interviews

Student
Records
Interviews
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
Assistive technology is
considered at IEP Team
meetings for students at the
high school.
The district oversees in an
ongoing manner the
implementation of each IEP
that has been consented to by
the parents, and IEPs are
implemented as written.
The district monitors the
provision of services and the
programs of students placed
out-of-district. Site visits are
documented in the student
record. Team meetings for
students placed out-of-district
include a representative with
the authority to commit district
resources.
Procedures are in place to
ensure that the district would
implement its responsibilities
to students in institutional
settings by acting on requests
for an evaluation, issuing
proposed IEPs in a timely
manner and providing special
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 9 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 47
Procedural
requirements applied
to students not yet
determined to be
eligible for special
education
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
Method(s) of
Investigation
Documentation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
education and/or related
services. The district currently
has one student in an ESIS
program and that student has a
current signed IEP.
Information regarding
appropriate procedures for
disciplining students not yet
determined to be eligible for
special education is not
contained in student handbooks
or codes of conduct.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
Revise the student handbooks
and codes of conduct for the
2010-2011 school year to
include the procedural
requirements applied to students
not yet determined to be eligible
for special education.
Train principals and appropriate
staff at all schools on the
procedural requirements applied
to students not yet determined
to be eligible for special
education.
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
By November
1, 2010, submit
a copy of the
language added
to the student
handbooks and
codes of
conduct
pertaining to
the procedural
requirements
applied to
students not yet
determined to
be eligible for
special
education.
Submit an
agenda, sign-in
sheet(s) and
training
materials for
training on the
procedural
requirements
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 10 of 12
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
applied to
students not yet
determined
eligible for
special
education.
Submit this
training
information by
November 1,
2010.
SE 51
Appropriate special
education teacher
licensure
SE 54
Professional
development

Documentation
Interviews

Documentation
Interviews
Special education teachers in
the district are appropriately
licensed or on approved
waivers.
The district has provided
training for general educators
and special educators on
methods of collaboration
among teachers,
paraprofessionals and teacher
assistants to accommodate
diverse learning styles of all
students in the general
education classroom.
Transportation providers are
provided with information
regarding each student’s
special needs and appropriate
means of meeting those needs
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 11 of 12
Criterion
SE 56
Special education
programs and services
are evaluated
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Documentation
Interview
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
before they begin transporting
students. The district provides
in-service training for all
locally hired and contracted
transportation providers.
The district regularly evaluates
its special education programs
and services.
Duxbury Public Schools Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 22, 2010
Page 12 of 12
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District: Duxbury Public Schools
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