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
March 30, 2012
Margery Mayo-Brown, Superintendent
Fall River Public Schools
417 Rock Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Mayo-Brown:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report
based on the onsite visit conducted in your district in January 2012. During the 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:
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.
During the Mid-cycle review process, the Department recognized the significant progress
the district has made in effectively correcting the previously indentified areas of special
education non-compliance and also in maintaining sustained compliance in these areas.
1
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 17, 2012.
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
William Flanagan, School Committee Chairperson
Joyce Blackburn, Local Program Review Coordinator
Encs: Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report Form
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Fall River Public Schools
Dates of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: January 24-26, 2012
Date of this Report: March 30, 2012
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 and
student
participation
and consent
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Records
Interviews
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
One year prior to the student
reaching age 18, the district
informs the student and
parent/guardian of the rights that
will transfer from the
parent/guardian to the student upon
the student’s 18th birthday. Notice
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 1 of 33
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
at age of
majority
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and
attendance
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
is provided to both the student and
the parent/guardian and explicitly
states that all rights accorded to
parents under special education law
will transfer to the 18 year old
student.

Student
Records
Interviews
All required members of the Team
are present at IEP Team meetings.
Members of the Team attend Team
meetings unless:
 The district and the parent
agree, in writing, that the
attendance of the Team
member is not necessary
because the member’s area
of the curriculum or related
services is not being
modified or discussed; or
 The district and parent
agree, in writing, to excuse
a required Team member’s
participation and the
excused member provides
written input into the
development of the IEP to
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 2 of 33
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
the parent and IEP Team
prior to the meeting.
A representative of the school
district who acts as a Chairperson
and who is knowledgeable about
the general curriculum, the
availability of resources of the
district and who has the authority
to commit resources is present at
all Team meetings.
Special education Team
chairpersons and supervisors are
not required to check with a higher
administrative authority prior to
making decisions with regard to
placements, programs, resources
and supports.
At all levels, the district has
someone at the Team meeting who
is qualified to interpret evaluation
results.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 3 of 33
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
IEP
development
and content
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Records
Interviews
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
IEP Teams consider and
specifically address the skills and
proficiencies needed to avoid and
respond to bullying, harassment, or
teasing when a student is identified
with a disability that affects social
skills development, when the
disability makes him or her
vulnerable to bullying, harassment,
or teasing, or when the student is
identified with a disability on the
autism spectrum.
IEPs address all required elements:
 Present Levels of
Educational Performance
(PLEP) B sections are
complete and address
emotional, social or
behavioral issues;
 IEPs contain or identify
specially designed
instruction;
 Beginning no later than
when the student is 14
years old, student vision
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 4 of 33
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
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
statements are the vision of
the student and contain all
required information.
SE 25
Parental
consent
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
If the parent revokes his/her
consent to the student’s special
education services in writing, the
district does not always act
promptly to discontinue services
based on revocation of consent.
Team chairpersons and service
providers indicated that they would
propose an evaluation rather than
provide, in a timely manner, the
required written notice of the
district’s proposal to discontinue
services based on the revocation of
consent, as well as information on
how the parent can obtain a copy of
his/her right to procedural
safeguards. This process was also
evident in the review of student
records and the administration
acknowledged a lack of training for
staff related to regulations
regarding revocation of parental
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 5 of 33
Develop procedures pertaining to
revocation of parental consent to the
student’s special education services.
The procedures should indicate that
upon receipt of a written request
from a parent to discontinue special
education services the district must:
1. Discontinue all special education
services;
2. Act promptly to provide written
notice to the parent/guardian of
the district’s proposal to
discontinue services based on the
revocation of consent;
3. Provide information on how the
parent can obtain a copy of
his/her rights to procedural
safeguards;
4. Provide the notice a reasonable
time before the district intends to
discontinue the services; and
5. The district may not use
Submit a copy
of the district’s
procedures and
evidence of
staff training,
including an
agenda and
signed
attendance
sheet
(indicating role
of staff).
Submit a
description of
the oversight
and tracking
system and
identify the
person(s)
responsible for
the oversight.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
consent.
The student record review also
demonstrated that the district
obtains written parental consent
before conducting an evaluation. In
addition, written parental consent is
obtained before placement of a
student in special education.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
mediation or request a due
process hearing to obtain
agreement or a ruling requiring
the continuation of services.
Train appropriate staff on these
procedures.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system for ensuring that
appropriate steps are taken when a
parent revokes his/her consent in
writing to the student’s special
education services. The tracking
system should include supervisory
oversight and periodic reviews to
ensure ongoing compliance.
Develop a report of the results of an
internal review of student records in
which parents revoked consent since
implementation of all of the district’s
corrective actions for evidence of
compliance with revocation of
consent procedures.
*Please note when conducting
internal monitoring the district
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 6 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Submit this
information by
June 15, 2012.
Submit a report
of the results of
an internal
review of
student records
and include the
following:
1) Number of
records
reviewed;
2) Number of
student records
in compliance;
3) Results of
the root cause
analysis of any
records not in
compliance;
4) Specific
actions taken
by the district
to remedy any
non-
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
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).
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 7 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
compliance.
Submit this
report by
December 10,
2012.
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 1
Assessments
are
appropriately
selected and
interpreted for
students
referred for
evaluation
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Records
Assessments are
appropriately selected and
interpreted for students at
all levels who are
determined eligible as a
result of an emotional
impairment or due to
behavioral issues.
Students are not placed in
emotional disability/
behavioral disability
classes without being
appropriately assessed in
the areas of suspected
disability. A variety of
assessments, not only the
WISC, are used to make
this determination. In
addition, the district does
not require a physician’s
statement for the
determination of an
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 8 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
emotional impairment.
Students are not
determined to have a
cognitive impairment
solely as a result of one
assessment, the WISC.
Assessments at all levels
are administered in the
language and form most
likely to yield accurate
information on what the
student knows and can do
academically,
developmentally and
functionally.
SE 2
Required and
optional
assessments
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Required educational
assessments, including a
history of the student’s
educational progress in the
general curriculum as well
as an assessment by a
teacher(s) with current
knowledge regarding the
student’s specific abilities
Complete the missing consented-to
educational assessments for those
students identified by the Department.
Reconvene IEP Teams to review the
results of the assessments and
determine whether the individual
student’s current IEP is appropriate.
Review the student records in which
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 9 of 33
Submit copies of the
educational
assessments
completed for the
individual students
identified by the
Department, as well
as copies of the
Team Meeting
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
in relation to learning
standards of the
Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks and the
district’s general education
curriculum, were
consistently conducted by
a building based
representative in all
schools except the James
Madison Morton Middle
School and the Spencer
Borden Elementary
School.
an evaluation was conducted this past
school year at the James Madison
Morton Middle School and the
Spencer Borden Elementary School
and analyze the information pertaining
to educational assessments, in
particular identify which staff
members are responsible for
completing educational assessments
and the frequency of this noncompliance. Based on the analysis,
indicate the specific corrective actions
to be taken to remedy the noncompliance.
The district is consistently
conducting classroom
observations for students
upon receipt of consent
from the parent, including
students suspected of
having a specific learning
disability. Assessments are
related to the area of
suspected disability.
Develop an internal oversight and
tracking system to ensure that the
educational assessments are
appropriately completed by a
building-based representative of the
school district for all initial
evaluations and re-evaluations at the
James Madison Morton Middle
School and the Spencer Borden
Elementary School. The tracking
system should include supervisory
oversight and periodic reviews to
ensure compliance.
The district conducts
special education
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 10 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Invitation (N3) and
Team Meeting
Attendance Sheet
(N3A) as evidence
that the IEP Teams
reconvened to
review the
assessment results.
Describe the
outcomes of the
district’s root cause
analysis with the
specific corrective
actions taken to
remedy the noncompliance and
associated timelines.
Submit a description
of the internal
oversight and
tracking system and
identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight. Submit
the information
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
assessments at the
preschool level, and not
only screenings. The
district identifies students
with emotional
impairments at the
preschool level and they
conduct an assessment
when young children
exhibit social, emotional
or behavioral issues and
there is a suspected
disability. The district
also does not place
preschool students on
ancillary service plans and
delay evaluations until
kindergarten.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Develop a report of the results of an
internal review of student records at
the James Madison Morton Middle
School and the Spencer Borden
Elementary School in which an
evaluation was conducted since
implementation of all of the district’s
corrective actions for evidence of
compliance with completing
educational assessments.
*Please note that when 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 record
review; b) Date of the review; c)
Name of persons who conducted the
review, their roles and their
signatures.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 11 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
indicated above by
June 15, 2012.
Submit a report of
the results of an
internal review of
records and include
the following:
1) Number of
records reviewed;
2) Number of
records;
3) Results of the
root cause analysis
of any records in
non-compliance;
and
4) Specific
corrective actions
taken by the district
to remedy any noncompliance.
Submit this report
by December 10,
2012.
Criterion
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
learning
disability
SE 4
Reports of
assessment
results
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)

Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Records
The district is using the
required specific learning
disability (SLD) forms and
is routinely conducting
student observations in the
classroom settings.
Interviews
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Summaries of assessment
results are completed two
days prior to the Team
meeting.
Identify the staff responsible for
writing reports of assessment results
and provide training to these staff
members on the required content.
Reports of assessment
results do not always
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 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. The tracking system
should include supervisory oversight
and periodic reviews to ensure
compliance.
Develop a report of the results of an
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 12 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Submit evidence of
staff training,
including the
agenda, training
materials and signed
attendance sheets
(indicating role of
staff).
Submit a description
of the internal
oversight and
tracking system and
identify the
person(s)
responsible for the
oversight. Submit
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
internal review of student records for
reports of assessment results that were
written since implementation of all of
the district's corrective actions for
evidence of appropriately completed
content.
*Please note that when 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 record
review; b) Date of the review; c)
Name of persons who conducted the
review, their roles and their
signatures.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 13 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
this information by
June 15, 2012.
Submit a report of
the results of an
internal review of
student records and
include the
following:
1) Number of
records reviewed;
2) Number of
records that are in
compliance ; 3)
Results of the root
cause analysis of
any records not in
compliance; and
4) Specific actions
taken by the district
to remedy any
noncompliance.
Submit this report
by December 10,
2012.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
SE 6
Determination
of transition
services

Student
Records
Beginning no later than
when the student is 14
years old at all schools,
including Resiliency High
School, the Team
discusses the student’s
transition needs and
documents its discussion
on the Transition Planning
Form.
SE 9
Timeline for
determination
of eligibility
and provision
of
documentation
to parent

Student
Records
The district determines
whether the student is
eligible for special
education and provides to
the parent either a
proposed IEP and
proposed placement or a
written explanation of the
finding of no eligibility
within 45 school working
days of receipt of the
parent’s written consent to
an initial evaluation or reevaluation.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 14 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 9A
Elements of
the eligibility
determination;
general
education
accommodations and
services for
ineligible
students
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Records
The district evaluates
students when determining
eligibility for special
education; students at
Resiliency High School
are not placed in special
education classes without
an evaluation.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
If a Team determines that
a student is not eligible for
special education but may
be eligible for
accommodations for
disabilities under Section
504, the student is
considered for eligibility
under that regular
education program.
The district does not make
a finding of eligibility for
special education for
limited English proficient
students whose lack of
progress is due to a lack of
instruction in reading or
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 15 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
mathematics or due to
limited English
proficiency, but not due to
a disability.
SE 11
School district
response to
parental
request for
independent
educational
evaluation

Student
Records
The district reconvenes the
Team within ten school
days from the time the
school district receives the
report of an independent
educational evaluation to
consider the independent
educational evaluation and
whether a new or amended
IEP is appropriate.
SE 12
Frequency of
re-evaluation

Student
Records
Re-evaluations are
conducted every three
years at all levels.
SE 13
Progress
reports and
content

Student
Records
Progress reports include
the student’s progress
towards reaching the goals
set forth in the IEP. At all
levels, progress reports
Interviews
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 16 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
were found in student
records and were sent to
the parent at least as often
as parents are informed of
the progress of nondisabled students.
Individual service
providers submit progress
reports to special
education liaisons so that
they can be sent together
with other progress
reports. Progress reports
are reviewed and students
are identified when they
are not meeting IEP goals
or are unable to access the
curriculum. Teams
reconvene when progress
reports indicate a lack of
progress.
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs

Student
Records
Annual reviews are held
prior to the expiration date
of the previous IEP and
new IEP goals are
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 17 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
considered by the Team
and are not repeated from
year to year.
SE 15
Outreach by
the School
District

SE 17
Initiation of
services at age
three and early
intervention
transition
procedures

SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
provision of

Interviews
Document
Review
Student
Records
Interviews
Student
Records
Interviews
The district conducts child
find/outreach activities for
older students within the
schools and through
outreach to other
community agencies and
organizations.
The district implements
procedures to ensure the
effective transition of
young children with
disabilities, district staff
participate in transition
meetings or transition
planning conferences.
At the Team meeting, after
the IEP has been fully
developed, the Team
determines the appropriate
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 18 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
IEP to parent
SE 20
Least
restrictive
program
selected
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
placement to deliver the
services on the student’s
IEP. The decision
regarding placement is
based on the IEP and the
individual needs of the
student. Team
chairpersons are not
required to seek approval
from central office
separate from the Team
process.

Student
Records
Interviews
At all levels, the district
provides programs and
placements that are the
least restrictive
environment for students,
with consideration given
to any potential harmful
effect on the student or on
the quality of services that
he or she needs.
Substantially separate
programs do not have
enrollments that exceed
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 19 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
the program design or
instructional grouping
requirements.
Substantially separate
classes at the elementary
and middle school levels
are not grouped together
for specials and students
have opportunities,
including lunch, to be
included with non-disabled
peers.
Non-Participation
Justification Statements in
the IEPs, at all levels, state
why the removal is
considered critical to the
student’s program and the
basis for its conclusion
that education of the
student in a less restrictive
environment, with the use
of supplementary aids and
services, could not be
achieved satisfactorily.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 20 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
IEPs of students enrolled
in the Resiliency High
School are implemented
when they call for services
to be provided in an
inclusion setting.
SE 21
School day
and school
year requirements
SE 22
IEP
implementation and
availability

Student
Records
Interviews
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
The daily duration of
students’ programs at
Resiliency High School is
equal to that of the regular
school day for secondary
students. When students
do require shorter school
days, it is documented in
their IEPs.
IEPs are implemented as
written at Resiliency High
School. Students in cotaught classes are not
pulled out into
substantially separate
groupings for instruction,
contrary to the IEP service
delivery grids. Teachers do
Implement a support system for
vocational education teachers by
assigning special education teachers to
consult with vocational education
teachers regarding the implementation
of accommodations and modifications
defined in their students’ IEPs.
Develop an internal oversight system
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 21 of 33
Submit a description
of the support
system put in place
to ensure that
vocational
education teachers
are familiar with
their responsibilities
regarding the
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
not arbitrarily determine
whether to implement
services in class or pullout contrary to the
accepted IEP.
to ensure that the special educators
and vocational education teachers
consult regarding their students’ IEPs
at the beginning of the school year and
whenever an IEP is modified.
IEPs of limited English
proficient students who
come from Puerto Rico are
implemented by the
district.
Monitor a sample of vocational
technical education classes and
develop a report of the results of this
review after implementation of all of
the district’s corrective actions for
evidence of compliance with
implementation of students’ IEPs.
The district evaluates
students before they are
determined to be no longer
eligible for special
education or related
services.
Students have IEPs in
effect at the start of the
school year.
Although vocational
technical education
teachers have been trained
on how to access their
student’s IEPs within the
*Please note that when 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 record
review; b) Date of the review;
c) Name of persons who conducted
the review, their roles and their
signatures.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 22 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
implementation of
their students’ IEPs.
Submit a description
of the oversight
system and identify
the person(s)
responsible for the
oversight. Submit
this information by
June 15, 2012.
Submit a report of
the results of the
internal monitoring
and include the
following:
1) Number of
classes observed;
2) Number of
classes in
compliance with
implementation of
students’ IEPs;
3) Results of the
root cause analysis
for any noncompliance found;
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
database, vocational
technical education
teachers at Durfee High
School are not always
familiar with their specific
responsibilities related to
the implementation of the
student’s IEP and the
specific accommodations,
modifications, and
supports that must be
provided for the student
under it.
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

Student
Records
When a student is referred
for an evaluation to
determine eligibility for
special education, the
school district sends
written notice to the child's
parents within five school
days of receipt of the
referral. In addition,
Notices of Proposed
School District Action
(N1) address all required
information and are sent
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 23 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
4) Specific actions
taken by the district
to remedy any noncompliance.
Submit this report
by December 10,
2012.
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
with Evaluation Consent
Forms (N1A).
SE 26
Parent
participation in
meetings

Student
Records
When a parent does not
attend the IEP Team
meeting, the district
documents its use of other
methods to ensure parent
participation, including
individual or conference
telephone calls, or video
conferencing.
SE 27
Content of
Team meeting
notice to
parents

Student
Records
IEP Team meeting notices
sent to parents include the
names of the general
education content area
teachers who will be in
attendance.
SE 29
Communications are in
English and
the primary

Student
Records
The district provides
communications with
parents in the primary
language of the home
when the primary
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 24 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
language of
home
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
language is other than
English. In addition, the
district uses interpreters at
IEP Team meetings who
are fluent in the primary
language of the home and
familiar with special
education procedures,
programs and services.
When notices are provided
orally or in some other
mode of communication,
the district keeps written
documentation (1) that it
has provided such notice
in an alternate manner, (2)
of the content of the notice
and (3) of the steps taken
to ensure that the parent
understands the content of
the notice.
SE 32
Parent
advisory
council for

Interviews
In conducting the
workshop on parents’
rights, the district ensures
that information is
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 25 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
special
education
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
provided to limited
English proficient parents
in a language they can
understand.
SE 33
Involvement in
the general
curriculum

SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements

Student
Records
Interviews
Student
Records
Interviews
The district ensures that at
least one member of all
IEP Teams is familiar with
the general curriculum and
is able to discuss an
eligible student’s
appropriate access to the
general curriculum. In
addition, the district
documents in the IEP the
student’s participation in
the general curriculum.
Services and supports are
in place at all levels to
support students in
inclusion settings. There
is an increase in behavioral
supports at all levels and
counseling services are
included in IEP service
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 26 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
delivery grids, when
appropriate.
SE 36
IEP implementation,
accountability
and financial
responsibility
SE 37
Procedures for
approved and
un-approved
out-of-district
placements
SE 41
Age Span
Requirements
PI
Student
Records
Interviews

Student
Records
PI
Document
Review
Interview
Except for the IEPs of
students in the vocational
technical education
program at Durfee High
School, the district
oversees in an ongoing
manner the full
implementation of each
IEP it proposes which has
been consented-to by the
parent.
See SE 22.
See SE 22.
By the beginning of the 2012-2013
school year, the district must relocate
the class identified in the age span
waiver request to a middle school or
Submit a description
of the proposed
location for this
class. Include a site
The district documents
monitoring activities for
students placed in out-ofdistrict placements.
At the time of the review
there was one classroom in
which the ages of the
youngest and oldest
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 27 of 33
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Observation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
student in the instructional
grouping did differ by
more than 48 months. The
district requested an age
span waiver for this group,
which was granted by the
Department on March 22,
2012.
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
high school facility.
A site visit and a review of
the information submitted
for the age span waiver
indicated that the location
of this class does not
maximize the inclusion of
the students in the life of
the school or minimize the
separation or
stigmatization of the
students.
The approved age span
waiver requires the district
to relocate the classroom
to a middle or high school
building by September
2012.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 28 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
plan of the school
indicating the
proposed class
location as well as
the location of other
special education
classes in the
building. Submit
this to the
Department by June
15, 2012.
The Department
will conduct an
onsite verification to
ensure that the
location of the class
maximizes the
inclusion of the
students in the life
of the school and
minimizes the
separation or
stigmatization of the
students. This
onsite verification
will take place the
beginning of the
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
2012-2013 school
year, no later than
October 1, 2012.
SE 43
Behavioral
interventions

Student
Records
Interviews
Teams consider the
student’s behavior,
including positive
behavioral interventions
and the possible need for
functional behavioral
assessments for students
whose behaviors impede
their learning or the
learning of others.
Students with emotional,
social or behavioral issues
have positive behavioral
interventions and supports
addressed in their IEPs.
The district has behavioral
supports district-wide and
needed counseling services
are found on IEP service
delivery grids.
At the preschool level,
evaluators and
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 29 of 33
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
psychologists are available
and their consultative
services are provided
when needed.
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities

SE 48
Equal
opportunity to
participate in
educational,
nonacademic,
extracurricular and

Student
Records
Interviews
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
The district notifies
parents of the decision to
take disciplinary action
and provides them with the
written notice of
procedural safeguards.
The district ensures that
limited English proficient
or non-English speaking
parents receive this
information in a language
that they understand.
Special education students
at the Viveiros Elementary
School have opportunities
to participate in art and
music.
At the James Madison
Morton Middle School,
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 30 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
ancillary
programs, as
well as
participation in
regular
education
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
students who are placed in
strategies classes for
academic support have art
and music. At the middle
school level, special
education students have
opportunities to participate
in field trips and
assemblies, and students
with IEPs are not
automatically placed in
academic strategies classes
without access to foreign
language instruction or
band.
Special education students
at Resiliency High School
have opportunities to
participate in vocational
technical educational
classes within the school.
Transportation to
vocational technical
education classes and
after-school activities at
Durfee High School are
also available for students
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 31 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
at Resiliency High School.
Middle school students are
no longer at the Resiliency
High School.
SE 53
Use of
paraprofessionals
SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms

Student
Records
Interviews
Observations
Paraprofessionals
implement instruction
under the supervision of an
appropriately certified or
licensed professional.
There are no special
education classrooms in
the basement of Morton
Middle School.
Substantially separate
special education
programs are located on
the third and fourth floors
among general education
classrooms.
Signs no longer identify
related services and/or
special education classes
at the Greene Elementary
School, Silvia Elementary
School, Talbot Middle
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 32 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
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
School, Letourneau
Elementary School,
Viveiros Elementary
School and Spencer
Borden Elementary
School.
Fall River Public Schools
Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
March 30, 2012
Page 33 of 33
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District: Fall River 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