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
March 29, 2005
Michael F. Brandmeyer
Superintendent of Schools
Lincoln Public Schools
Ballfield Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
Re:
Onsite Follow-up Monitoring Report: Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action
Plan Verification and Special Education Mid-cycle Review
Dear Superintendent Brandmeyer:
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 3, 2001.
The Department is please to have found the majority of the formerly identified areas of noncompliance to be resolved. Only one item remains partially implemented and will require a
response and the Department’s onsite team has identified no new issues.
As the Department previously informed you, in cases where a district fails to fully and
effectively implement a Corrective Action Plan, which was proposed by your district and
approved by the Department, the Department must then prepare a Corrective Action Plan for the
district, which must be implemented without further delay. You will find these requirements for
corrective action and further progress reporting included in the attached report together with any
steps that must be taken by the district to fully implement new special education requirements.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that the Department's requirements
for corrective action will be implemented by your school district within the timelines specified.
Your statement of assurance must be submitted to the Department's Onsite Chairperson by April
8, 2005.
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
Dennis Picker, School Committee Chairperson
Teresa Watts, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Follow-up Monitoring Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW
Lincoln Public Schools
ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION
Action Plan Submitted on May 25, 2001
Progress Reports Submitted on December 1, 2001, February 1, 2002, December 2, 2002, July 2003 and December 17, 2003
Onsite Visit Conducted on March 3, 2005
Date of this Report March 29, 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


Interviews
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
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 attend
and have input in the Team
meeting and IEP development.
Interviews
YES
Student
The district issues progress
3
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
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


Record
Review
Interviews
reports as frequently as report
cards are issued for nondisabled students. The districts
progress reports consistently
contain student progress toward
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
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

Document
Review
The district conducts the
screenings required by law and
regulation.
Student
Record
Review
Interviews
SE 17
Initiation of
services at age
three and Early
Intervention
transition
procedures
YES
Document
Review
Record
Review
The files and procedures clearly
delineated the transition process
from Early Intervention both in
theory and in practice.
Interviews
SE 18A
IEP
development
and content
Partially
implemented
Student
Record
Review
Interviews
The Team develops the IEP at
the Team meeting and uses
evaluation data to guide
development of measurable
annual goals and benchmarks.
5
Partially not
implemented
The IEP service delivery
grids did not indicate the
specific type of staff who
would be providing the
instruction and or/ related
Please provide evidence that
the Team Chairpersons have
received training on
completing IEP service
delivery grids indicating
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting

IEP’s in the district include
specially designed instruction
and/or related services
necessary
to allow the student to benefit
from specially designed
instruction and to access the
general curriculum.
6
services. The delivery
grids in all instances
indicated regular
education staff and/or
special education staff
without specifically
stating for example,
physical therapist or MSN
teacher.
appropriate staff by April 29,
2005.
Please provide four sample IEP
Service Delivery Grids and the
agenda, attendance and
materials from the training
provided by July 1, 2005.
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
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
Interviews
YES
Document
Review
Student
Record
The IEP Teams determine the
appropriate placement to deliver
services on student IEPs.
Placement is the least restrictive
environment consistent with the
needs of the student. The Team
gives the parent the IEP at the
conclusion of the meeting and
has created a sign off for parent
and Team members to
document the immediate
provision of the IEP to the
parent.
The IEP Teams select the least
restrictive environment for
students and a very large portion
(161of 169 students) of the
districts special education
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)
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


Review
Interviews
population spend at least part of
the day in mainstream
classrooms,
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 22
IEP
implementation
and availability
(Emphasis on
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))
SE 26
Parent
participation in
meetings
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
Interviews
YES
Student
Records
The district has an IEP in effect
for eligible students at the
beginning of each school year
and begins IEP services without
delay once the student’s parent
has accepted an IEP.
Many parents attend the Team
meeting and participate in the
Team process. For the period of
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)
(Emphasis on
district’s
attempts to
ensure parent
participation at
IEP Team
meetings)
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


Interviews
September 2004 through
December 2004 there were 91
Team Meetings and in every
instance a parent was in
attendance.
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 28
Parent provided
the IEP or
notice of no
eligibility
together with
notification of
procedural
safeguards and
parents' rights
SE 29
Communications are in
English and
primary
language of
home
SE 32
Parent advisory
council for
special
education
SE 50
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
Interviews
YES
Student
Record
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
Documentation demonstrates
that the IEP or notice of no
eligibility together with
notification of procedural
safeguards and parents’ rights
brochures are provided at the
conclusion of the Team
meeting.
The district has a large list of
translators and records show
that when appropriate the
district translates materials,
forms and reports.
The district provides parents
with the current version of the
Massachusetts Parent’s Rights
brochures at each team meeting.
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)
Responsibilities
of the School
Principal and
Administrator
of Special
Education
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Document
Review
Interview
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).
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 54
Professional
development
regarding
special
education
SE 56
Special
education
programs and
services are
evaluated
SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms
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
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
its Special Education programs,
services and administration.
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
The district has been able to
reorganize space usage as a
result of a decline in district
wide student enrollment.
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)
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified


MOA
Requirements
14
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full
text of
requirements
in 2004-2005
Special
Education
Information
Package)
MOA 1
Identification of
limited English
proficient
students
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Document
Review
Student
Record
Review
The district uses appropriate
assessments and qualified staff
to determine English language
proficiency.
Interview
MOA 3
General
information and
materials in
languages other
than English
MOA 5
Placement and
program
modification for
limited English
students
YES
Document
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
The district has on hand
translated materials and a list of
resource translators for a wide
variety of languages.
The district has evaluated its
ELE program and has
implemented a sheltered English
instruction program.
15
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 21
Staff training
regarding civil
rights
responsibilities
MOA 23
Institutional
Self -Evaluation
Implementation Status of
Requirements
or
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Substantially
Implemented
Method(s)
of Verification
Comments Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Implementation
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
to be Not
Fully
Implemented or
Additional
Issues
Identified

YES

Document
Review
Interview
YES
Document
Review
Interview
The district provides in-service
training for all school personnel
at least annually regarding civil
rights responsibilities, including
the prevention of discrimination
and harassment on the basis of
disability, race, color, sex,
religion, national origin and
sexual orientation and the
appropriate methods for
responding to it in the school
setting.
The district has put into place a
comprehensive evaluation
process to examine and remedy
policies and programs
16
Findings Regarding
Incomplete
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan or
Identification of
Additional Issues of
Noncompliance
Further Corrective Action
Ordered by the
Department of Education
and Timelines for
Implementation and Further
Progress Reporting
17