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
May 9, 2005
William J. Hurley
Superintendent
Lexington Public Schools
1557 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 020430
Re:
Onsite Follow-up Monitoring Report: Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action
Plan Verification and Special Education Mid-cycle Review
Dear Superintendent Hurley:
Enclosed is the Department's Coordinated Program Review Follow-up Monitoring Report
together with findings regarding your district’s Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Review.
This report contains the Department's findings based on the onsite activities conducted in your
school district to verify the implementation status and effectiveness of corrective steps taken in
response to your Coordinated Program Review Report issued on April 12, 2002.
We are pleased to indicate that the Department of Education has found your district's approved
Corrective Action Plan to be substantially implemented and effective in remedying previously
identified noncompliance issues in the areas of Special Education and Civil Rights Methods of
Administration. The findings of the Department are included in the attached Follow-up
Monitoring Report. You and your entire staff are to be congratulated for your efforts in
implementing all necessary improvements.
The Department will notify you of your district's next regularly scheduled Coordinated Program
Review several months before it is to occur. At this time we anticipate the Department's next
routine monitoring visit to occur sometime during the FY 2008, unless the Department
determines that there is some reason to schedule this visit earlier.
Your staff's cooperation throughout these Follow-up Monitoring activities is appreciated.
Should you require additional clarification of information included in our report, please do not
hesitate to contact the Onsite Team Chairperson at 781-338-3729.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth M. Young, Coordinated Program Review Follow-up Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
John D. Stager, Administrator
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Thomas B. Griffiths, School Committee Chairperson
Ellen Honeyman, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Follow-up Monitoring Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
Lexington Public Schools
ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION
Action Plan Submitted on July 29, 2002
Progress Reports Submitted on January 10, 2003, July 18, 2003, November 10, 2003
Onsite Visit Conducted on February 7, 2005
Date of this Report May 9, 2005
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Special
Education
Requirements
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation

YES
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

Student
Record
Review
The student records and
program documentation clearly
show that the special
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
determination
of specific
learning
disabilities
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified


Interview
requirements for determining
specific learning disabilities are
being met.
2
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 6
Determination
of transition
services
(Emphasis on
practices in
determining
needed
transition
planning and
services and
consideration of
courses of study
related to
needed
transition)
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Students age 14 and above and
sometimes younger where
appropriate are invited to attend
and have input in the Team
meeting and IEP development.
Interview
YES
Student
Record
Review
Interview
The district issues progress
reports as frequently as report
cards are issued for nondisabled students. The districts
progress reports consistently
contain student progress toward
3
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified


the goals set annually in the
IEP.
4
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 15
Outreach by the
School District
(Child Find)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Student
Record
Review
The district conducts the
screenings required by law and
regulation.
Document
Review
SE 17
Initiation of
services at age
three and Early
Intervention
transition
procedures
SE 18A
IEP
development
and content
YES
Student
Record
Review
The files and procedures
delineated the transition process
from Early Intervention both in
theory and in practice
Document
Review
YES
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Interview
The Team develops the IEP at
the Team meeting and uses
evaluation data to guide
development of measurable
annual goals and benchmarks.
IEP’s in the district include
specially designed instruction
and/or related services
necessary
5
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified


to allow the student to benefit
from specially designed
instruction and to access the
general curriculum.
6
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
immediate
provision of
IEP to parent
SE 20
Least restrictive
program
selected
SE 22
IEP
implementation
and availability
(Emphasis on
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
YES
YES
Student
Record
Review
The IEP Teams determine the
appropriate placement to deliver
the services on the student’s
IEP. Placement is selected by
the team is the least restrictive
environment consistent with the
needs of the student. The IEP is
provided to the parent as
required.
The IEP Teams select the least
restrictive environment for
students and a very large portion
(161of 169 students) of the
districts special education
population spend at least part of
the day in general education.
classrooms,
The district has an IEP in effect
for eligible students at the
beginning of each school year
and begins IEP services without
7
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
provision of
IEP services
without delay;
provision of the
IEP at the
beginning of the
school year;
and, alternative
methods of
service delivery
where there is a
lack of space
and/or
personnel))
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified


Interview
delay once the student’s parent
has accepted an IEP.
8
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 26
Parent
participation in
meetings
(Emphasis on
district’s
attempts to
ensure parent
participation at
IEP Team
meetings)
SE 28
Parent provided
the IEP or
notice of no
eligibility
together with
notification of
procedural
safeguards and
parents' rights
SE 29
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Interview
YES
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Many parents attend the Team
meeting and participate in the
Team process. For the period of
September 2004 through
December 2004 there were 252
Team Meetings and in all but
two cases a parent was in
attendance. The two parents not
able to attend participated via
conference call.
Documentation demonstrates
that the IEP or notice of no
eligibility together with
notification of procedural
safeguards and parents’ rights
brochures at the conclusion of
the Team meeting.
Interview
9
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Communications are in
English and
primary
language of
home
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Student
Record
Review
Interview
The district has a large list of
translators and records show
that when appropriate the
district translates materials,
forms and reports.
10
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 32
Parent advisory
council for
special
education
SE 50
Responsibilities
of the School
Principal and
Administrator
of Special
Education
SE 54
Professional
development
regarding
special
education
SE 56
Special
education
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Document
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
The district provides parents
with the current version of the
Massachusetts Parent’s Rights
brochures at each team meeting.
School principals and the
Special Education
Administrator fulfill the
responsibilities set forth in
MGL Ch 71§ 38 Q and § 38 ½
Q and 603 CMR 28.03(3).
The district considers the needs
of all staff in developing
training opportunities and
provides a variety of offerings
including the required topics.
The district regularly evaluates
the areas of special education
11
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

programs and
services are
evaluated

programs and administration.
Interview
Other
Requirements
SE 36
YES
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Policies and student records
reflect that the district assumes
fiscal responsibility for
educationally related therapy
services. Additionally there is a
clear system of oversight and
reporting to ensure full
implementation of student IEPs.
12
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
SE 44
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
YES

Student
Record
Review
YES
Facilities
Check
Document
Review
MOA 7
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

Document
Review
SE 55
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
YES
Student
Record
Review
Document
The district is now recording
tracking and monitoring all
types of suspensions and a
system to notify the special
education administrator has
been put into place.
The Place Program at the High
School has moved to two
separate classrooms, Hastings
School no longer utilizes the
portable classroom for special
education classes and the LABB
doors and safety issues have
been remedied.
The district routinely provides
translations of general
announcements, counseling
materials and extra-curricular
activities into languages other
13
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
MOA 22
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting

Review
than English.
Facilities
Check
The stage area at the Bridge
Elementary and the music room
at the Estabrrok School have
been made handicapped
accessible by adding ramps.
Document
Review
Mid-cycle Cover Letter and Report Format 2005.doc
Rev. 9/10/04
14