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 July 10, 2006 Dr. Barbara J. Ripa, Superintendent Hampshire Regional School District 19 Stage Road Westhampton, MA 01027 Re: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen Dear Superintendent Ripa: Enclosed is the Department of Education's Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report (MidCycle Report) for the Hampshire Regional School District – Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, and Chesterfield-Goshen School Districts. This report contains findings based on onsite monitoring conducted to verify the implementation and effectiveness of corrective action approved by the Department to address findings of noncompliance included in the Hampshire Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Report issued on March 26, 2003. The Mid-cycle Report also contains findings based on onsite monitoring of special education compliance criteria that have been newly created or substantially changed in response to IDEA 2004. As you know, another component of the Department’s Mid-cycle Review is the review of your school district’s self-assessment in the area of English learner education (ELE). (In the remainder of this letter, please read “district” as meaning “school district or charter school.”) The purpose of this review is to determine whether your district is implementing the significant changes in M.G.L. Chapter 71A, governing the education of limited English proficient students, that were adopted by voters by means of Question 2 in 2002. The Department has reviewed your district’s ELE self-assessment documents and, based solely on that self-assessment, is providing you in this report with comments on your ELE program and, where necessary, corrective action to be implemented. Your district is urged to request technical assistance in relation to any of these comments or prescribed corrective action. To secure assistance, you may consult with your Midcycle Review Chairperson or call Robyn Dowling-Grant in Program Quality Assurance Services at 781-338-3732. You may also consult with staff in the Department’s Office of Language Acquisition and Achievement at 781-338-3534 and obtain additional ELE guidance documents through the Department’s web site at http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/ . While the Department of Education found your district to have resolved certain noncompliance issues, others remain partially corrected. Where the district has failed to fully implement its approved Corrective Action Plan, the Department views these findings to be serious. In all instances where noncompliance has been found, the Department has prescribed corrective action for the district that must be implemented without delay. You will find these requirements for corrective action included in the attached report, along with requirements for progress reporting. Please provide the Department with your written assurance that all of 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 Mid-cycle Review Chairperson by July 21, 2006. Your staff's cooperation throughout these follow-up monitoring activities was very much appreciated. Should you like clarification of any part of our report, please do not hesitate to contact the Mid-cycle Review Chairperson at 413-858-4591. Sincerely, Martha H. von Mering, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson Program Quality Assurance Services Darlene A. Lynch, Director Program Quality Assurance Services c: David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education Brad Brousseau, Hampshire Regional School Committee Chairperson Laurie Farkas, Special Education Administrator Encl.: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Progress Report Form MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MID-CYCLE COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW REPORT HAMPSHIRE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Southampton, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL NONCOMPLIANCE REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR): May 6 – 10, 2002 Date of Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Plan Approval: August 5, 2003 Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: July 2004 and January 2005 Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: May 25-26, 30-31, June 6-7, 15-16, 2006 Date of this Report: July 10, 2006 PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN SEVERAL SECTIONS Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) SE 3 Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Basis of Determination Action that Implementation of Determined Corrective Action was Not to have Incomplete or been Ineffective Or Implemented Basis of Finding of New or Not to Noncompliance have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Special Education Criteria Originally Cited in CPR Report and Monitored in Mid-cycle Statutory requirements for the Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 1 of 15 Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Special requirements for determination of specific learning disabilities SE 8 Evaluation team composition Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting The district does not consistently ensure that a district representative with the authority to commit resources is a member of the Team. The district will provide a memo to all applicable staff reminding them of the requirement to ensure a district representative with the authority to commit resources is a member of every Team. determination of specific learning disabilities have been revised under the recently reauthorized IDEA 2004. Therefore, until final implementing regulations have been adopted, the Department is not making findings related to school district practices under this criterion. From meetings held between January 2007 and June 2007, the district will randomly select and submit a copy of five (5) evaluation Team meeting attendance sheets from each Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 2 of 15 Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting school along with a list of staff with the authority to commit resources from each school. SE 9 Eligibility determination Student Records The district does not consistently ensure that a Team meeting is convened within 45 school working days after receipt of the parent’s written consent to evaluate. The district will submit a copy of the memo and additional documentation to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. The district will provide a memo to all applicable staff reminding them of the requirement to convene a Team meeting within 45 school working days after receipt of the parent’s written consent to evaluate. From meetings held between January 2007 and June 2007, the district will randomly select and submit a copy of five (5) evaluation consent forms and corresponding evaluation Team Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 3 of 15 Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting meeting attendance sheets from each school. The district will submit a copy of the memo and additional documentation to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. SE 12 Frequency of reevaluation Student Records Staff Interviews SE 13 Progress Reports and content The district ensures that a reevaluation is conducted, with parental consent, every three years consistent with the requirements of federal law or unless otherwise agreed to by the parent and district. Student records and staff interviews indicate progress reports are provided to parents of special education students as often as parents are informed of the progress of non-disabled students. However progress reports, Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 4 of 15 The district will provide a memo to all applicable staff reminding them of the requirement to address whether a student’s progress is sufficient to enable the student to achieve the goal by the end of the IEP period. Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting while often extremely detailed, do not consistently address whether the student’s progress is sufficient to enable the student to achieve the goal by the end of the IEP period. From progress reports written between January 2007 and June 2007, the district will randomly select and submit a copy of progress reports for five (5) students from each school The district will submit a copy of the memo and additional documentation to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. SE 18A (# 1 and #2) IEP development and content SE 19 Extended evaluation Student Records The Team develops an IEP that contains all required elements under this criterion. Student Records The Team, with parental consent, agrees to and appropriately uses the extended evaluation process in the event a student is found eligible for special education but finds the evaluation information Staff Interviews Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 5 of 15 Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) SE 20 Least restrictive program Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Student Records Staff Interviews SE 24 Notice to parent Student Records Staff Interviews SE 28 Parent provided IEP or notice of no eligibility together with notification of procedural safeguards and parents’ rights Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting The district does not consistently provide the parent with a copy of the proposed IEP within 3 –5 school working days after the Team meeting. The district will provide a memo to applicable staff reminding them of the requirement to provide the parent with a copy of the proposed IEP within 3 – 5 school working days after the Team meeting. insufficient to develop a full or partial IEP. The Team selects programs that are the least restrictive environment for students and states why removal, if any, is considered critical to the student’s program. The district provides the parent with required notice regarding proposal or refusal to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child or the provision of FAPE. Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 6 of 15 Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting From meetings held between January 2007 and June 2007, the district will randomly select five (5) IEPs and submit a copy of their Administrative Data Sheet (ADM 1 form) and corresponding Notice of Proposed School District Action (N 1 form) from each school. The district will submit a copy of the memo and additional documentation to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. SE 32 Parent advisory council for special education Documents The district ensures that at least one annual workshop is conducted within the district on the rights of students and their parents/guardians under state and federal special education laws and does support a parent advisory council. Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 7 of 15 Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective SE 36 IEP implementation, accountability, and financial responsibility SE 37 Procedures for approved and unapproved out of district placements SE 41 Age span requirements SE 42 Programs for young children three and four years of age SE 51 Appropriate special education Method(s) of Verification Student Records Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance The district ensures that all required elements under this criterion are implemented. Staff Interviews Student Records Student Records Staff Interviews Documents The district ensures monitoring plans are completed and placed in the student’s records for students placed in approved and unapproved out of district placements. This criterion was not a compliance issue at any of the district’s elementary schools. The district ensures that it will apply for a waiver with the Department if a Team allows a five-year old child to attend a program designed for three and four year olds. The district ensures that individuals who provide or supervise the provision of Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 8 of 15 Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) teacher certification or licensure SE 52 Appropriate certifications or licenses for related service providers SE 54 Professional development regarding special education SE 55 Special education facilities and classroom SE 56 Special education programs and Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance special education services are appropriately certified. Documents The district ensures that individuals who provide or supervise the provision of related services are appropriately certified. Documents Staff Interviews On-site review Documents The district ensures that it considers the needs of all staff in developing training opportunities and provides a variety of offerings including all required topics. The district provides facilities and classrooms that maximize the inclusion of eligible students into the life of the school. The district ensures that special education programs, services and administrative areas are regularly evaluated. Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 9 of 15 Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) services are evaluated MOA 18 (formerly SE 50) Responsibilities of the school principal Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Documents Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance The district meets all required elements under this criterion. Staff Interviews SE 14 Review and revision of IEPs SE 25B Resolution of disputes Special Education Criteria Created or Revised in Response to IDEA-2004 Student The district ensures that IEPs Records are reviewed on or before the anniversary date of their Staff implementation date to Interviews consider the student’s progress and develop a new IEP. Documents The district ensures that required resolution dispute Staff procedures are followed Interviews including convening a meeting to attempt resolution and completing a legally binding agreement if the resolution session is successful or seeking mediation when agreed to by Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 10 of 15 Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification SE 30 Notice of procedural safeguards Documents SE 46 Procedures for suspension of students with disabilities more than 10 days Student Records Staff Interviews Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Action Determined Not to have been Implemented or Not to have been Effective Or New Issues Identified Basis of Determination that Implementation of Corrective Action was Incomplete or Ineffective Or Basis of Finding of New Noncompliance the parent and district. The district is using the Massachusetts Interim Notice of Procedural Safeguards and provides it to parents as required. The district ensures students with disabilities, who are suspended 10 consecutive days or 10 cumulative days that constitute a pattern, are provided all required procedural safeguards including a Team meeting to conduct a manifestation determination and provides a functional behavioral assessment, and behavior intervention plan if the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability. Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 11 of 15 Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Criterion Number and Topic (Refer to full text of 20052006 CPR requirements) Approved Corrective Action Determined to be Implemented and Effective Method(s) of Verification Basis of Determination that Corrective Action was Implemented and has been Effective Corrective Basis of Determination Action that Implementation of Determined Corrective Action was Not to have Incomplete or been Ineffective Or Implemented Basis of Finding of New or Not to Noncompliance have been Effective Or New Issues Identified HAMPSHIRE REGIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen English Learner Education (ELE) Requirements Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Mid-Cycle Review Comments and Corrective Action Based on the Department’s Review Of Local Self-Assessments (Please refer to full text of 2005-2006 CPR-ELE legal requirements and related implementation guidance at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/instrument/chapter71A.doc ) ELE Criterion Number and Topic ELE 1 Annual Assessment ELE 2 MCAS Participation ELE 3 Initial Identification Comments Based on the Department’s Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to assess limited English proficient (LEP) students on an annual basis and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. Documentation indicates the district will have all LEP students participate in MCAS testing scheduled for their respective grades and maintain copies of MCAS scores in student records when an LEP student or students enroll. Documentation indicates the district does have procedures for the initial identification of LEP students. The district utilizes a home language survey and does complete required assessments when a student’s first language is not English. However the district does not consistently provide a home None None The district will provide a memo to all applicable staff reminding them of the requirement to provide a home language survey to all parents of newly registering students and to place the completed home language survey in the students’ files. Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 12 of 15 ELE Criterion Number and Topic Comments Based on the Department’s Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment language survey to all parents of newly registering students. ELE 4 Waiver Procedures ELE 5 Program Placement and Structure ELE 6 Program Exit and Readiness ELE 7 Parent Involvement ELE 8 Declining Entry to a Program ELE 9 Instructional Grouping ELE 10 Parental Notification Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to provide parents of LEP students with program descriptions of the district’s ELE programs in a language they can understand and of the parent’s right to apply for a waiver and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. Documentation indicates the district does have program placement and structure plans for LEP students and will implement this plan when an LEP student or students enroll. Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting The district will copy and submit five (5) completed home language surveys. The district will submit a copy of the memo and additional documentation to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. None None Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to appropriately determine an LEP student’s program readiness and exit level and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to include parents/guardians of LEP students in matters pertaining to their children’s education and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. None Documentation indicates the district does have procedures for parents/guardians of LEP students who choose to decline entry to a district program and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. See ELE 5 None Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to notify parents, on an annual basis, of their child’s level of English proficiency, program placement, and right to apply for a waiver and will implement those procedures when an Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 13 of 15 None See ELE 5 None ELE Criterion Number and Topic Comments Based on the Department’s Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting LEP student or students enroll. ELE 11 Equal Access to Academic Programs and Services ELE 12 Equal Access to Nonacademic and Extracurricular Programs ELE 13 Follow-up Support ELE 14 Licensure and Fluency Requirements ELE 15 Professional Development Requirements ELE 16 Equitable Facilities (To be reviewed during next CPR visit) ELE 17 Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to provide equal access to academic programs and services to all LEP students and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. None Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to provide equal access to nonacademic and extracurricular programs to all LEP students and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. None Documentation indicates the district does have procedures to appropriately monitor formerly limited English proficient (FLEP) students and will implement those procedures when an LEP student or students enroll. Documentation indicates the district utilizes appropriately licensed personnel to administer required assessments. While the district does not currently have LEP students, the district will be providing training to staff in sheltered English immersion (SEI) in the 2006-2007 school year. Documentation indicates that while the district while the district does not currently have LEP students, the district will be providing training to staff in sheltered English immersion (SEI) in the 2006-2007 school year. None Not Rated None Documentation indicates the district does not have a formal None None The district will provide a copy of the evaluation plan developed with the Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 14 of 15 ELE Criterion Number and Topic DOE Data Submission Requirements and Program Evaluation ELE 18 Records of LEP Students (To be reviewed during next CPR visit.) Comments Based on the Department’s Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of its ELE program but has a plan in place to work with a consultant in the 20062007 school year to evaluate its progress and status to date. Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Progress Reporting consultant to the Department on or before July 30, 2007. Not Rated Hampshire Regional School District – Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen July 10, 2006 Page 15 of 15 None MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MID-CYCLE COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW School District: Hampshire Regional School District Westhampton, Southampton, Williamsburg, Chesterfield-Goshen CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN 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: Area: Criterion #: (Progress Report information should address only one criterion per page.) Page ___ of ___