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 26, 2006
Walter Landberg, Director
40 Brick Kiln Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824-2600
Re: ’06 Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
Dear Director Landberg:
Enclosed is the Department of Education's Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report. This report
contains findings based on onsite monitoring activities conducted to verify the implementation status and
effectiveness of corrective action activities approved by the Department that were intended to address
findings of noncompliance included in the Murdoch Middle School Coordinated Program Review Report
issued on September 10, 2003. (In the remainder of this letter, please read “district” as meaning “school
district or charter school.”)
As you know, one component of the Department’s Mid-cycle Review process is the review of your
district's self-assessment in the area of English learner education (ELE). The purpose of this activity is to
determine if your district is beginning to implement the significant changes in M.G.L. Chapter 71A, this
state’s law governing the education of limited English proficient students that was adopted by voters as
Question 2 in 2002. The Department has reviewed your district’s ELE self-assessment documents and is
providing you now with advisory comments and actions to be implemented in anticipation of your
district’s next scheduled Coordinated Program Review. Where indicated in our report, your district is
urged to request technical assistance in areas that, based solely on your self-assessment documents, were
found not likely to be fully implemented. To secure assistance, you may consult with your Mid-cycle
Review Chairperson or call Robyn Dowling-Grant in Program Quality Assurance Services at 781-3383732. 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/ .
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 area of Special Education. 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 2009 school year, 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 781-338-3703.
Sincerely,
Dean Paolillo, Coordinated Program Review Follow-up Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Colleen Leary, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW REPORT
Murdoch Middle Charter School
ONSITE VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
AND/OR IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR): March 17 – 23, 2003
Date of Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Plan Approval: March 3, 2004
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: March 20-21, 2006
Date of this Report: May 26, 2006
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Yes
Student
Records
and
Documentation
Student records indicate
transition goals to high school are
considered for students.
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Special Education
Requirements
(including new
IDEA-2004
Requirements
SE 6
Determination of
Transition Services
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 1 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
SE 8
IEP Team
composition and
attendance
Yes
Student
Records
Team meeting attendance sheets
identify the chairperson.
Furthermore, Team attendance
sheets indicate consistent
chairperson attendance.
SE 12
Frequency of reevaluation
Yes
Student
Records
The student record review
indicates three-year reevaluations are conducted when
due. In some instances, reevaluations were conducted more
frequently when the Team,
including the parent, identified
concerns that required an earlier
re-evaluation.
SE 13
Progress Reports
and content
Yes
Student
Records
Progress reports are completed
with the same frequency as the
report cycle.
SE 14
Review and
revision of IEPs
Yes
Student
Records
Annual reviews and, when
necessary, amendments to the
IEP are completed by the charter
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 2 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
school.
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
Yes
Student
Records
Student records reviewed
indicates that the charter attempts
to resolve issues at the local level
before proceeding to the BSEA.
SE 30
Notice of
procedural
safeguards
Yes
Student
Records
The charter school is using the
interim rights brochure.
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities more
than 10 days
Yes
Staff
Interviews &
Student
Records
District personnel are aware of
the procedures for conducting
manifestation determinations
when necessary.
Other Special
Education
Requirements
Originally Cited in
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 3 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
SE 1
Selection of
Assessments
Yes
Student
Records &
Documentation
Student records indicate that the
charter school has improved in
identifying the suspected needs
and assessments necessary to
evaluate those needs in its special
education evaluation procedures.
SE 2
Required
Assessments
Yes
Student
Records &
Documentation
Student records indicate the
charter school is conducting
educational status assessments,
teacher assessments and student
observations as required. Health
assessments are conducted when
necessary.
SE 4
Report of
Assessment Results
Yes
Interviews &
Student
Records
Documentation in the student
records verified that parents are
provided the copies of the
assessment results two days
before the Team meeting when
requested.
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
CPR Report
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 4 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
SE 9
Timelines
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Yes
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Student
Records &
District
documentation
Improvement has been made in
implementing the timelines
required by regulation. In the
records selected for review by the
onsite mid-cycle review team, the
45-day time line was substantially
implemented.
SE 18A
IEP Development
Yes
Student Record
Review
IEPs are well developed with
clear, measurable goals.
SE 22
IEP
Implementation
and Availability
Yes
Interviews
The charter school has not
experienced any delays in the
implementation of student IEPs.
Regular educators provide
accommodations. The charter
school has undertaken
professional development to
ensure the implementation of
accommodations within the
general education setting.
SE 29
Communications
Yes
Student
Records,
Documentation
The Coordinated Program
Review report indicated that the
Department’s onsite Team had
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 5 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
& Interviews
cited the charter school for
incomplete administrative data
pages on IEPs, noticeably absent
was the identification of primary
language and language of
instruction. The charter school
has remedied this deficiency.
Furthermore, the school’s
documentation, the student
records and interviews indicate
that at this time, it does not have
any parents that require translated
documentation.
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 6 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Method(s) of
Verification
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
SE 32
Yes
Interviews &
Documentation
The charter school has
established a Special Education
Parent Advisory Council through
the establishment of its Student
Services Community Involvement
Group (SSCIG).
SE 36
IEP
Implementation
Yes
Student Record
Review &
Interviews
See SE 22 for comment.
SE 43
Behavior
Interventions
Yes
Interviews &
Student
Records
Interviews indicate a consistent
implementation of the code of
conduct, subject to any necessary
modifications for students with
behavioral needs.
SE 50
Administrator
Responsibilities
Yes
Interviews
Interviews indicate that aides are
provided in the foreign language
classroom. Furthermore, IEP
summaries are reviewed by all
teachers, specialists, social
worker and nurse to ensure all
staff are aware of their
PAC
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 7 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
requirements for implementing
the IEP.
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 8 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Partial
Interviews
SE 53
Paraprofessionals
Yes
Interviews
Aides are appropriately
supervised and have access to the
IEPs of the students that the aides
work with.
SE 56
Evaluation of
Special Education
Programs
Yes
Interviews and
Documentation
The charter school actively
identifies program needs, makes
program adjustments including
providing professional
development when needs are
identified and conducts a selfevaluation using annual parent
surveys and staff surveys. MCAS
data of special education students
are examined as part of the
evaluation activities.
SE 51
Special Educator
Licensure
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Partial
Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Interviews indicate that one
teacher responsible for the
provision of special
education services does not
hold current licensure.
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 9 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
The charter school must either
obtain a licensure waiver for the
staff person in question or ensure
she obtains the required licensure
through the Department’s
Educator Licensing office. The
corrective action is due by June
15, 2006.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
(Refer to full text
of 2005-2006 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined to
be
Substantially
Implemented
and Effective
Or
New IDEA
Requirements
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Findings Regarding
Corrective Action Plan
Activities
Or
Basis of Findings Regarding
Implementation of New
IDEA Requirements
Yes
Documentation
A review of existing data did not
indicate any concerns in this
regard.
Corrective
Action Plan
Determined
Not Fully
Implemented
Or
Additional
Issues Have
Been
Identified

Basis of Findings
Regarding Incomplete or
Ineffective
Implementation of
Approved Corrective
Action Plan
Or
Basis of Findings of
Additional
Noncompliance
Civil Rights
(MOA) and Other
General Education
Requirements
MOA 4
Disproportionality
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 10 of 14
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Further Progress
Reporting Requirements
Murdoch Middle Charter School
English Learning Education (ELE) Requirements
Mid-Cycle Review Advisory Comments Resulting From The Department’s Review Of Local Self-Assessment Documents
(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
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
The charter school ensures all families are completing home
language surveys upon enrollment and proceeds to evaluate
students for their English proficiency as necessary. The charter
school indicates as of the 2005-2006 school year, the school
does not have any students identified as Limited English
Proficient.
ELE 2
MCAS
Participation
All students at the charter school have participated in MCAS
testing.
ELE 3
Initial
Identification
The district has established procedures to identify and evaluate
students who may be limited English proficient.
ELE 4
Waiver
Procedures
The school does not currently have any students who are LEP
and therefore, does not have any waivers. District personnel
are cognizant of the waiver procedures.
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 11 of 14
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
ELE 5
Program
Placement and
Structure
The charter school indicates it currently does not have any
students identified as LEP, however, the school is aware of the
requirement to provide LEP students with sheltered English
instruction.
The district will report to the Department the professional development scheduled
for its classroom teachers to ensure that the teachers are capable of providing
sheltered English instruction. The professional development calendar will be
provided to the Department by June 15, 2006.
ELE 6
Program Exit
and Readiness
The charter school has established the following procedures
prior to existing an LEP student from a Sheltered English
Immersion (SEI) program:
1. Testing scores (MELA-O, MEPA, MCAS and
Woodcock-Munoz testing)
2. Teacher recommendations
3. Writing samples.
4. The student’s portfolio
5. Local assessments
The district has established follow-up procedures for students
who are exited from an SEI program.
ELE 7
Parent
Involvement
ELE 8
Declining Entry
to a Program
ELE 9
Instructional
Grouping
Parents of LEP can participate in the school’s Student Services
Community Involvement Group.
Currently, the charter school does not have any students
identified as LEP.
This criterion is not applicable at the charter school at this
time.
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 12 of 14
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
ELE 10
Parental
Notification
The district provided a sample letter that would be used in the
event a student is identified as LEP.
ELE 11
Equal Access to
Academic
Programs and
Services
There is no indication that students that would be identified as
LEP are limited in participating in the academic programs of
the charter school.
ELE 12
Equal Access to
Nonacademic
and Extracurricular
Programs
There is no indication that students identified as LEP would be
limited from participating in nonacademic or extracurricular
activities at the charter school.
ELE 13
The district has established follow-up procedures should such
activities be necessary in the future.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
Follow-up
Support
ELE 14
Licensure and
Fluency
Requirements
The charter school indicated that all teachers at the school are
Highly Qualified and proficient in English.
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 13 of 14
ELE Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 15
Professional
Development
Requirements
ELE 16
Equitable
Facilities (To be reviewed
during next
CPR visit)
ELE 17
DOE Data
Submission
Requirements
and Program
Evaluation
ELE 18 Records
of LEP
Students(To be reviewed
during next
CPR visit.)
Advisory Comments Resulting from the Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
Document Submission
Please see ELE 5 for comment.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines for Implementation, and Further
Progress Reporting Requirements to be Implemented in Anticipation of the
District’s Next Scheduled Coordinated Program Review
Please see ELE 5 for the requested information.
The Department conducted a walk-through of the school for
accessibility. However, since the charter school did not have
any LEP students at the time of the mid-cycle, the Department
did not conduct an observation of program facilities provided
to LEP students.
The charter school regularly files the required data with the
Department of Education.
The charter school indicates that files of all students are stored
in a confidential manner. This criterion will be reviewed
during the next coordinated program review.
Mid-cycle Cover Letter and Report Format 2006.doc
Rev. 11/28/05
Murdoch Middle Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 26, 2006
Page 14 of 14