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
May 12, 2010
Charmaine White, Executive Director
New Leadership Academy Charter School
37 Alderman St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Executive Director White:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report based
on the Mid-cycle Review conducted in your school on April 6 & 7, 2010. In this Mid-cycle
Review the Department monitored selected special education criteria to determine your school’s
compliance with special education laws and regulations. The review consisted of information
gathered from one or more of the following activities: staff interviews, review of student records,
examination of documentation, and/or classroom and on-site observations.
The Department found one or more of the criteria monitored in your school to be “Partially
Implemented” or “Not Implemented.” In all instances where noncompliance has been found, the
Department has prescribed corrective action for the school. 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.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that all of the required corrective
action will be implemented by your school within the timelines specified in the report. You must
submit your statement of assurance to Darlene Lynch, Director, Program Quality Assurance
Services, by May 28, 2010.
1
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 Paul J. Aguiar at 781338-3781.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Aguiar, 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
Dean Paolillo, Supervisor, Program Quality Assurance Services
Beth Lopez, Supervisor, Program Quality Assurance Services
Peter D’Aboul, President, Board of Trustees New Leadership Academy Charter School
Encs: Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report form
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
New Leadership Academy Charter School
Dates of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: April 6 & 7, 2010
Date of this Report: May 12, 2010
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
Criterion
Implemented

SE 3
Determination of
specific
learning
disability

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Interviews &
Student
Records
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for
Implementation
Student records and
staff interviews
indicated that when a
student suspected of
having a specific
learning disability is
evaluated, the IEP
Team creates a
written
determination as to
whether he or she
has a specific
learning disability,
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 1 of 22
(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
which is signed by
all members of the
IEP Team.
SE 52A
Registration
of
educational
interpreters

Interviews &
Documents
Interviews and
document review
indicated that there
are no students who
require an
interpreter. If such a
student enrolls; the
school will employ
an educational
interpreter registered
with the
Massachusetts
Commission for the
Deaf and Hard of
Hearing.
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 2 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
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
Criterion
Criterion
Partially
Method(s)
Basis of
If Partially Implemented or
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
Implemented Implemented
of
Determination
Not Implemented:
and Required

(PI) or Not
Investigaabout Criterion
(a) Required Corrective
Elements
Implemented
tion
Action and Timelines for
(NI)
Implementation
Student records and

Student
staff interviews
SE 2
Required and
Records &
indicated that all
Optional
Interviews
required
Assessments
assessments in the
areas related to the
suspected disability
are completed
during reevaluations and
initial evaluations.
Student records and
SE 5

Participation
Student
staff interviews
in general State
Records &
indicated that
and school-wide
Interviews
accommodations are
assessment
provided to students
programs
with disabilities
during MCAS
testing.
SE 7
Transfer of
parental rights at
age of majority
and student
participation and
consent at the
age of majority
PI
Student
Records &
Interviews
Student records and
staff interviews
indicated that the
charter school did
not always inform
the student one year
before reaching age
18 of his or her right
at age 18 to make all
decisions in relation
The charter school must
provide appropriate staff with
training on the requirement to
inform students one year prior
to reaching age 18 of his or her
right to make all decisions in
relation to special education
programs and services. The
charter school must also
provide appropriate staff with
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 3 of 22
Please submit a copy of the
agenda and sign-in sheets as
evidence that training has been
provided on both topics identified
in the “Required Corrective
Action” section by September
20, 2010.
Subsequent to the training, submit
the results of an administrative
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
to special education
programs and
services.
Student records and
staff interviews also
indicated that upon
reaching the age of
18, the charter
school did not
always document
when the student’s
decision was to share
or delegate decisionmaking.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
training on the requirement to
document when the student’s
decision is to share or delegate
decision-making.
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that the school always informs
the student one year prior to
reaching age 18 of his or her
right at age 18 to make all
decisions in relation to special
education programs and
services. The charter school
must conduct internal
monitoring of student records
to determine that the school
always documents when the
student’s decision is to share or
delegate decision-making.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 4 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
review from a sample of student
records for evidence that students
have been informed of the transfer
of rights at the age of majority
one year prior to reaching age 18.
In addition, please submit the
results of an administrative
review from a sample of student
records for evidence that
appropriate documentation is
evident when a student decides to
share or delegate decisionmaking. Indicate the number of
records reviewed and the number
found to be compliant. For all
records not in compliance with
this criterion, determine the root
cause(s) of the noncompliance
and provide the school’s plan to
remedy the noncompliance. This
must be completed by December
20, 2010.
Criterion
SE 8
IEP Team
composition and
attendance
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Student
Records &
Interviews
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
Student records and
staff interviews
indicated that there
was not always
someone on the IEP
Team given the
authority to commit
school resources
when the Executive
Director was not in
attendance.
Interviews with
senior management
indicated that only
the Executive
Director has full
authority to commit
school resources and
the Executive
Director is not
always present at
IEP Team meetings.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
The charter school must
develop a list of personnel
authorized to commit school
resources at IEP Team
meetings and ensure at least
one member of the IEP Team
has the authority to commit
school resources.
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that the school is compliant
with the requirements of this
criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 5 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Please submit a list of the names
of those personnel fully
authorized to commit school
resources at IEP Team meetings
by September 20, 2010.
Please submit the results of an
administrative review of a
sampling of special education
student records to determine
whether an individual with the
authority to commit school
resources was always present at
the IEP Team meeting. Indicate
the number of records reviewed
and the number found to be
compliant. For all records not in
compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Criterion
SE 9A
Elements of
Eligibility
Determination
SE 12
Frequency of reevaluation
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
Content
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation

Documents,
Student
Records &
Interviews

Student
Records
PI
Student
Records
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
Documentation and
staff interviews
indicated the use of
the charter school’s
Student Teacher
Assistance Team
(STAT) for
students.
The charter schools
conducts reevaluations of
students every three
years.
Student records
indicated that not all
records contained the
progress reports
consistent with the
cycle of progress
reporting for nondisabled students
(i.e. the report card
cycle).
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
signature(s).
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
The charter school must
develop a tracking system for
key personnel responsible for
ensuring the timely completion
of all required progress reports.
Please submit a description of the
tracking system and a copy of the
agenda and sign-in sheets for the
training on its use by September
20, 2010.
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that the school is compliant
with the requirements of this
criterion.
Submit the results of an
administrative review of progress
reports from a sample of student
records after the issuing of report
cards. Please ensure the
examination of the records
verifies that progress reports were
issued for all IEP goals. Indicate
the number of records reviewed
and the number found to be
compliant. For all records not in
compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 6 of 22
Criterion
SE 14
Review and
Revision of
IEPs
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Documents,
Student
Records
& Interviews
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
Student records
indicated that an IEP
Team meeting is not
always held
annually, on or
before the
anniversary date of
the IEP because the
meeting dates were
delayed by the
charter school often
one to three months
past the original date
of the annual review.
Student records
indicated procedural
errors whereupon the
school writes
amendments for a
change in placement
which is prohibited
by regulation.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
The charter school must
develop a tracking system for
key personnel responsible for
ensuring the timely completion
of the review and revision of
IEPs and train staff on its use.
The charter school must
provide staff with training on
the appropriate use of
amendments.
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that it is compliant with the
requirements of this criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 7 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Please submit a description of the
tracking system and a copy of the
agenda and sign-in sheets for the
training on its use by September
20, 2010.
Submit the results of an
administrative review of IEPs
completed after training from a
sample of student records for
timeliness of annual reviews, as
well as a sample of student
records that required
amendments. Indicate the
number of records reviewed and
the number found to be
compliant. For all records not in
compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Criterion
SE 18A
IEP
Development
and Content
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
PI
Student
Records
& Interviews
Student records and
staff interviews
indicated that IEPs
were not always
complete. For
example, Present
Levels of
Educational
Performance, part B
(PLEP B)
information, was at
times not filled in for
students that had a
communication
disability, had a
behavioral goal, or
had age specific
considerations for
transition.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
The charter school must
provide appropriate staff with
training on the development of
IEPs that address all elements
of the most current IEP format
provided by the Department;
specifically that Present Levels
of Educational Performance,
part B (PLEP B) information
needs to be completed for
students that have
communication disabilities,
have behavioral
goals/discipline issues or have
age specific considerations for
transition.
The school must conduct
internal monitoring of student
records to determine that the
school is compliant with the
requirements of this criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 8 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Please submit a copy of the
agenda and sign-in sheets for the
training by September 20, 2010.
Submit the results of an
administrative review of IEPs,
completed after training, from a
sample of student records.
Indicate the number of records
reviewed and the number found to
be compliant. For all records not
in compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
provision of IEP
to parent

SE 20
Least restrictive
program
selected

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
Documents,
Student
Records
& Interviews
The review of
student records,
documentation and
staff interviews
indicated that parents
routinely leave IEP
Team meetings with
a written summary of
the decisions arrived
at in the meeting and
that parents are
immediately
provided with copies
of the proposed IEP.
Documentation, staff
interviews and
student records
indicated that there
are discussions
regarding the
placement of
students in the least
Documents
Student
Records
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 9 of 22
(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
The charter school must
provide appropriate staff with
training on the content of
“Notices to Parents”
particularly (“N1”/“N2”)
letters that address all six
questions and that are written
based on the individual IEP
meeting.
Please submit a copy of the
agenda and sign-in sheets for the
training by September 20, 2010.
restrictive program.
SE 22
IEP
Implementation
and Availability
SE 24
Notice to parent
regarding
proposal or
refusal to
initiate or
change the
identification,
evaluation, or
educational
placement of the
student or the
provision of
FAPE
Student
Records
Interviews

PI
Student
Records
Student records,
documentation and
interviews indicated
that the school
provides the
mutually agreed
upon services
without delay.
Student records
indicated that the
“Notice to Parents”
or “N1” forms are
not always found in
the record. Student
records and
interviews indicated
that the school’s
written proposal
does not inform
parents after an
initial or reevaluation of what
evaluation
procedures, tests,
records or reports
were used as a basis
for the proposed
action. Student
records also
indicated that the
notice’s date for the
The school must conduct
internal monitoring of student
records to determine that the
school is compliant with the
requirements of this criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 10 of 22
Submit the results of an
administrative review of “Notices
to Parents” or “N1”/“N2” letters
completed after training from a
sample of student records. Please
indicate the number of records
reviewed and the number found to
be compliant. For all records not
in compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
return of the IEP is
always listed as “Not
applicable”.
Furthermore, student
records indicated
that the school’s
“Notice to Parents”
or “N1/N2” is
usually not
individualized to the
specific purpose of
the IEP Team
meeting, but is
instead general
template language
with little
modification.
SE 25
Parental
Consent
PI
Interviews
Student
Records
Student records
indicated that there
was not always
documented
evidence of multiple
attempts to secure
the consent/
signature of the
parent for a proposed
IEP. Student records
and staff interviews
indicated that several
students had
proposed IEPs that
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
The charter school must
develop a tracking system for
key personnel responsible for
ensuring multiple attempts are
made to secure the consent of
parents for proposed IEPs and
train them on its use.
Submit a narrative description of
the tracking system and a copy of
the agenda and sign-in sheets for
the training on its use by
September 20, 2010.
The charter school must
develop procedures that key
personnel will implement to
document attempts to secure
parent consent.
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 11 of 22
In addition, please provide
evidence (the school’s procedure,
staff attendance, etc.) that training
was provided on the tracking
system, as well as the procedures
for documenting efforts to secure
parent consent and notice to the
BSEA. Please submit this
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
took several months
to nine months to
secure approval.
Furthermore, student
records indicated
that attempts to
contact the BSEA
were not always
documented.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
The charter school must also
review with the applicable staff
the internal process it will use
to decide whether the Bureau
of Special Education Appeals
(BSEA) must be contacted
when an eligible student
remains with a signed IEP and
the charter school’s inability to
implement that IEP jeopardizes
the student’s access to a Free
and Appropriate Public
Education (FAPE).
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that the school is compliant
with the requirements of this
criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 12 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
evidence by September 20, 2010
Subsequent to the training, please
submit the results of an
administrative review of timelines
for obtaining parental consent and
documentation of outreach
efforts, including notice to the
BSEA where appropriate.
Indicate the number of records
reviewed and the number found to
be compliant. For all records not
in compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Criterion
SE 27
Content of
Team meeting
notice to parents
SE 29
Communication is in English
and primary
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
PI
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Student
Records
Documents,
Student
Records
& Interviews
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
Student records
indicated that sign-in
sheets for IEP Team
meetings were not
always included in
students’ files.
Student records also
indicated that the
parent notice about
the IEP Team
meeting (N3 form)
did not always state
who would be in
attendance.
While interviews
indicated that the
charter school has
several people to
assist as a translator
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
signature(s).
The charter school must
provide appropriate staff with
training on the content of
“Notices to Parents of Team
Meetings” (N3) letters,
including proposed attendees.
The school must conduct
internal monitoring of student
records to determine that the
school is compliant with the
requirements of this criterion.
* Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
The charter school must
develop procedures that would
provide special education
written communications in the
primary language of the home,
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 13 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Please submit a copy of the
training agenda and sign-in sheets
for the training by September 20,
2010.
Subsequent to the training, please
submit the results of an
administrative review of “Notices
to Parents of Team Meetings”
from a sample of student records.
Indicate the number of records
reviewed and the number found to
be compliant. For all records not
in compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
Please submit a copy of the
charter school’s procedures on
providing special education
communications in both English
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
language of
home
SE 34
Continuum of
Alternative
Services
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
for IEP meetings,
student records and
interviews indicated
that written
communications
with parents are not
always in the
primary language of
the home, if such
primary language is
other than English.
PI
Documents
&
Interviews
According to
documentation and
staff interviews, the
charter school does
not ensure that a
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
if such primary language is
other than English.
The charter school must
conduct internal monitoring of
student records to determine
that the school is compliant
with the requirements of this
criterion.
and the primary language of the
home. Please verify that
appropriate staff have been
trained on the procedures for
securing translations and submit a
copy of the agenda and sign-in
sheets for the training by
September 20, 2010.
*Please note when
conducting internal
monitoring that school must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of the
student names and grade
level for the records
reviewed; b) Date of the
review; c) Name of person(s)
who conducted the review,
their role(s), and
signature(s).
Subsequent to the training, please
submit the results of an
administrative review of student
records for evidence of translated
written communications, when
the primary language of the home
is other than English. Indicate
the number of records reviewed
and the number found to be
compliant. For all records not in
compliance with this criterion,
determine the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and provide the
school’s plan to remedy the
noncompliance. This must be
completed by December 20,
2010.
The charter school must
develop a policy that ensures
that all students regardless of
their level or type of disability
Please submit a copy of the policy
that ensures the charter school
will provide a full continuum of
services to disabled students who
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 14 of 22
(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
continuum of
services and
alternative
placements is
available to meet the
needs of all students
with disabilities. The
school’s policy
indicates that
students with severe
and/or low incidence
disabilities that
enroll within the
charter school will
not be provided with
specialized
programming.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
are provided a full continuum
of services up to and including
students who require a
substantially separate
classroom setting.
Furthermore, the
policy indicates that
specialized
instruction may be
provided in the
general education
setting or separate
setting for a period
of no more than 60%
of the school day,
therefore, the school
will not provide for a
student who requires
a substantially
separate setting.
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 15 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
enroll in the charter school
consistent with state and federal
requirements. The policy must be
submitted by September 20,
2010.
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
These populations
are referred back to
the Springfield
Public Schools to
receive their special
education
programming.
SE 35
Specialized
Materials and
Assistive
Technology
SE 36
IEP
Implementation,
Accountability
and Fiscal
Responsibility
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with

Documents,
Student
Records
& Interviews

Interviews

Documents,
Student
Records
Documentation,
student records and
staff interviews
indicated that
specialized materials
and equipment
specified in IEPs are
provided by the
charter school.
Interviews indicated
that the school
oversees the
implementation of
each IEP without
financial obligation
to the parent and for
which parent consent
was provided.
Documentation,
student records and
staff interviews
indicate that the
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 16 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
disabilities when
suspensions
exceed 10
consecutive
school days or a
pattern has
developed for
suspensions
exceeding 10
cumulative
days;
responsibilities
of the Team;
responsibilities
of the school
SE 48
Equal
Opportunity to
Participate in
Educational,
Nonacademic,
Extracurri-cular
and 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
&
Interviews
charter school has
followed regulatory
requirements for the
suspension of
students with
disabilities when
those suspensions
exceed 10
consecutive school
days or a pattern that
has developed for
suspensions
exceeding 10
cumulative days.
Documents
&
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
Documentation and
staff interviews
indicated that all
students receiving
special education,
regardless of
placement, have an
equal opportunity to
participate in and, if
appropriate, receive
credit for remedial
services that may be
available as part of
the general education
program as well as
the non-academic
and extracurricular
programs of the
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 17 of 22
(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
The charter school must
provide copies of the licensure
and/or approved waivers for
the one special education
teacher not appropriately
licensed during the mid cycle
review.
Please submit copies of the
licensure or approved waiver for
the one special education teacher
not appropriately certified during
the mid cycle review by
September 20, 2010.
The charter school must
develop procedures that would
ensure that all special
education paraprofessionals are
provided supervision by an
appropriately certified or
licensed special education
professional that is proximate
and readily available to provide
such supervision.
Please submit the name (s) of
individual (s) assigned to
supervise each special education
paraprofessional at the charter
school as well as a copy of their
Massachusetts licensure by
September 20, 2010.
school.
SE 51
Teacher
Certification
SE 53
Use of
Paraprofessionals
PI
PI
Documents
&
Interviews
Interviews
While interviews
indicate that all
special education
teachers at the
Horace Mann charter
school are licensed
or have a waiver,
documentation and
communication with
the ESE licensure
office confirmed that
one special
education teacher is
not appropriately
licensed nor does the
individual hold a
valid waiver.
Interviews indicated
that special
education
paraprofession-als at
the charter school are
not currently under
the supervision of an
appropriately
certified or licensed
special education
professional that is
proximate and
readily available to
provide such
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 18 of 22
Criterion
SE 54
Professional
Development
Criterion
Implemented


SE 55
Special
Education
Facilities and
Classrooms
SE 56
Special
Education
Programs and
Services are
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Documents
&
Interviews
PI

Method(s)
of
Investigation
Interviews
&
On-Site
Observations
Documents
&
Interviews
Basis of
Determination
about Criterion
supervision.
Documentation and
staff interviews
indicated that the
charter school has
provided
professional
development to all
staff, including both
special education
and general
education staff.
Interviews and onsite observations
indicated that at the
time of the on-site
review that the
speech therapist
lacked a permanent
service delivery
location and the
speech therapist
must search for
available spaces
when the room is
being used for
meetings.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
The charter school must
develop a plan to ensure that
the speech therapist has a
service delivery location that
ensures the appropriate
delivery of service.
Documentation and
staff interviews
indicated that special
education programs
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 19 of 22
(b) Progress Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
The Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education will do
an on-site verification of this
criterion by September 30, 2010.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s)
of
Investigation
Evaluated
CR 22
Accessibility of
school programs
and services for
students with
disabilities
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
The charter school submitted a
copy of a plan to ensure the
full accessibility of all facilities
to students with physical
disabilities to be completed
during the summer of 2010.
The Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education will do
an on-site verification of this
criterion by September 30, 2010.
and services were
recently evaluated.
PI
Documents
Interviews
On-Site
Observations
Interviews and onsite observations
indicated that the
cafeteria is located
on the basement
floor to which there
is no access except
via stairs. The
restrooms in the
Social Center
Building are not
fully accessible to
students with limited
mobility.
New Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 12, 2010
Page 20 of 22
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District : New Leadership Academy Charter School
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