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 14, 2012
Dr. Gerald Paist, Superintendent
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School
240 Sykes Street
Palmer, Massachusetts 01069-1129
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Dr. Paist:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report based on the onsite
visit conducted in your district in January of 2012. During the Mid-Cycle Review the Department monitored
selected special education criteria to determine your district’s compliance with special education laws and
regulations. The review consisted of information gathered from one or more of the following activities:
interviews, review of student records, examination of documentation, and classroom observation(s).
The Mid-Cycle Report for your district describes continued serious noncompliance with state and federal law in
special education. The Department determined that one or more of the criteria monitored in your district was
“Partially Implemented” or “Not Implemented.” In all instances where noncompliance was found, the
Department has prescribed corrective action for the district. 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. The Department is concerned regarding the number of issues identified and
subsequently corrected from the previous CPR, which have reoccurred. Beth Lopez will contact you shortly to
arrange a meeting regarding the identified non-compliance and to provide technical assistance.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that all of the required corrective action will be
implemented by your district within the timelines specified in the report. You must submit your statement of
assurance to Darlene Lynch, Director, Program Quality Assurance Services, by May 30, 2012.
If you have questions about this letter or the enclosed report, please do not hesitate to contact Beth Lopez at
781-338-6703 or 413-314-6703.
Sincerely,
D. Beth Lopez, 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
Jean Jonker, Supervisor, Program Quality Assurance Services
Michael J. Cavanaugh, School Committee Chairperson
Nicole Heroux, Local Program Review Coordinator
Encs: Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report form
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School
Dates of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: January 4 & 5, 2012
Date of this Report: May 14, 2012
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
SE 7
Transfer of
parental
rights and
student
participation
and consent
at age of
majority
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
The district has newly
developed written procedures
delineating when and how the
district informs the student
and parent about the rights
that will transfer to the student
at the age of majority and the
process the district employs to
procure consent from the
student upon reaching 18.
However, student record
review, interviews and
documents reveal that the
district does not yet routinely,
one year prior to the student
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for
Implementation
For those students whose
records were identified by the
Department, who were not
informed about the rights that
transfer to the student at the
age of majority one year prior
to turning 18, the district must
inform the students and their
parents of the rights that
transfer to the student at the
age of majority.
Conduct an analysis of student
records of students turning 17
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 1 of 29
(b) Progress Report
Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
For student records
identified by the
Department, submit
evidence that those
identified students who
have not yet reached the
age of majority, and their
parents, have been
informed about the rights
that transfer to the
student at the age of
majority by September
28, 2012.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
turning 18, inform the student
and the parent of the rights
that will transfer to the student
upon reaching the age of 18.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for
Implementation
between September 2011 and
April 2012, to determine
why the district is not, one year
prior to the student’s 18th
birthday, routinely informing
students and their parents of
the rights that will transfer to
the student upon reaching the
age of majority.
Based on the results of the
analysis, provide the district’s
determination of the root
cause(s) of the noncompliance,
the steps the district proposes
to take to correct the root
causes and a timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to ensure
that one year prior to the
student turning 18, the district
informs the student and the
parent of the rights that will
transfer to the student upon
reaching the age of 18.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 2 of 29
(b) Progress Report
Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Submit the results of the
analysis conducted of the
records of students
turning 17 between
September 2011 and
April 2012. Include the
number of student
records reviewed and the
number of records in
compliance.
Include a description of
the root cause(s); of any
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s);
and the district’s
proposed timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions by
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January
4, 2013.
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
The district must conduct an
internal review of student
records after all other
corrective actions have been
implemented:
1. the records of all those
students who attained the
age of 17 subsequent to
the district’s
implementation of
corrective actions to
ensure that each of these
students (and their parent
or guardian) was
appropriately informed of
the transfer of rights to the
student at the age of 18.
2. the records of all those
students who attained the
age of majority subsequent
to the district’s
implementation of
corrective actions to
ensure that the district
obtained consent to
continue the student’s
special education program.
*Please note when conducting
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 3 of 29
(b) Progress Report
Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Submit a report of the
results of the two internal
reviews and include the
following information for
each sample: number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the
non-compliance by
January 4, 2013.
The Department will
also conduct an onsite
review to verify
correction of noncompliance.
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
internal monitoring that
district 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.

SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and
attendance
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that
members of the IEP Team
consistently attend meetings
unless the parent and the
district agree to alternative
means, or the district and the
parent agree in writing that
the attendance of the Team
member is not necessary.
When a Team member’s
participation is required, the
excused member provides
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 4 of 29
(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
written input for the
development of the IEP prior
to the scheduled meeting.

SE 18A
IEP
development
and content
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that the
district addresses all elements
of the most current IEP
format, including the Team’s
designation of how each
student will participate in the
Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment
System (MCAS).
The district considers and
specifically addresses the
skills needed to avoid and
respond to bullying for
students identified with a
disability on the autism
spectrum. Whenever the
Team evaluation indicates that
the student’s disability makes
him or her vulnerable to
bullying, harassment or
teasing, the IEP addresses the
skills and proficiencies
needed to avoid and respond
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 5 of 29
(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
to bullying, harassment, or
teasing.
SE 25
Parental
consent
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review and
interviews reveal that the
district does not consistently
secure and document written
parental consent before
conducting an evaluation or
re-evaluation, and before
providing the services
proposed on a student’s IEP.
For those student records
identified by the Department as
having a Team meeting but
with no subsequent parental
consent for proposed IEP
services, secure
parent/guardian consent or that
of the 18 year old student for
all unexpired IEPs that are
missing consent.
For those identified
student records, please
submit evidence that
consent was secured for
IEP services provided by
the district [i.e. IEP
Response Section (IEP
8)] by September 28,
2012.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of student records for
Team activities that took place
between September 2011 and
April 2012, to determine:
1. why parental consent is
not being routinely
secured before conducting
an evaluation, and
2. why proposed services are
initiated prior to obtaining
parental consent.
Submit the results of the
analysis conducted of
student records for
activities taking place
between September 2011
and April 2012. Include
the number of student
records reviewed and the
number of records in
compliance.
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of any
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
Based on the results of the
analysis, provide the district’s
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 6 of 29
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
determination of the root
cause(s) of the noncompliance,
the steps the district proposes
to take to correct the root
causes and a timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
correct the root cause(s);
and the district’s
proposed timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions. by
September 28, 2012.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to ensure
that the district secures and
documents written parental
consent before conducting an
evaluation or re-evaluation,
and before providing the
services proposed on a
student’s IEP.
.
Conduct an internal review of a
sampling of student records for
Team meetings conducted after
the implementation of all
corrective actions to ensure
that in all cases parental
consent is secured before
conducting an evaluation and
before providing services
proposed on a student’s IEP.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January
4, 2013.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 7 of 29
(b) Progress Report
Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include
the number of student
records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the
non-compliance by
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
*Please note when conducting
internal monitoring that
district 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).
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 8 of 29
(b) Progress Report
Due Date(s) and
Required
Elements
January 4, 2013.
The Department will also
conduct an onsite review
to verify the correction of
non-compliance.
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
SE 1
Assessments
are
appropriately
selected and
interpreted
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)

Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Records
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that
assessments and other
evaluation materials are
validated and
administered by trained
individuals. The district
uses information from a
variety of sources to
gather relevant functional
and developmental
information and ensures
that information obtained
from these sources is
considered.
Interviews
Document
Review
NI
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that
the district does not have
procedures in place for
determining Specific
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
Develop district procedures for
the determination of Specific
Learning Disability (SLD) and
provide IEP Team chairpersons
with training on those
procedures.
Please submit a copy of
the district’s procedures
for the determination of
SLD, and evidence of
staff training (agendas,
signed attendance sheets
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 9 of 29
Criterion
learning
disability
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Review
Learning Disability (SLD)
when students suspected
of having a specific
learning disability are
evaluated.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
See
http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/
iep/sld/ for a description of
appropriate procedures and
forms for the identification and
documentation of SLD.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to
ensure that Team chairpersons
are consistently using
appropriate procedures and
forms.
Conduct an internal review of
those records of students who
were evaluated for SLD
subsequent to the district’s
implementation of all
corrective actions to ensure
that the district has consistently
completed and maintained all
the required SLD components .
*Please note when conducting
internal monitoring that
district must maintain the
following documentation and
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 10 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
indicating title/role of
staff, name and title of the
presenter, training
materials, etc.) by
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
number of student records
reviewed; the number of
records in compliance; for
records not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy any
identified non-compliance
by January 4, 2013.
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
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).
SE 4
Reports of
Assessment
results
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review and
interviews reveal that
summaries of assessments
were not consistently
completed prior to
discussion by the Team
and did not consistently
contain recommendations
for meeting the student’s
needs.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of initial evaluations
and re-evaluations conducted
between September 2011 and
April 2012, to determine why
summaries of assessments are
not consistently completed
prior to the Team meeting and
why summaries do not
consistently contain the
required recommendations for
meeting student needs.
Based on the results of the
analysis, provide the district’s
determination of the root
cause(s) of the noncompliance,
the steps the district proposes
to take to correct the root
causes and a timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 11 of 29
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s); of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s);
the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
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
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to
ensure that summaries of
assessments are completed
prior to discussion by the
Team and contain
recommendations for meeting
the student’s needs.
Conduct an internal review of
a sampling of student records
for evaluations conducted after
the implementation of all
corrective actions to ensure
that summaries of all
assessments are completed
prior to discussion by the
Team and contain
recommendations for meeting
the student’s needs.
*Please note when conducting
internal monitoring that
district must maintain the
following documentation and
make it available to the
Department upon request: a)
List of the student names and
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 12 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review conducted
after implementation of
all corrective actions.
Include the number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
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
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).
SE 5
Participation
in general
state and
district-wide
assessments
SE 9
Timelines for
the
determination
of eligibility

Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that
Team members designate
how each student will
participate in the MCAS
and other district-wide
assessment programs.
Student record review and
interviews demonstrate
that the district does not,
in every case, provide the
parent with a proposed
IEP, proposed placement,
or a written explanation of
the finding of no
eligibility within 45
working days after receipt
of the parent’s consent to
evaluate.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of evaluations
conducted between September
2011 and April 2012, to
determine why parents are not
provided with a proposed IEP,
proposed placement or written
explanation of the finding of
no eligibility within 45
working days after receipt of
parental consent. Based on the
results of the analysis, provide
the district’s determination of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, the steps the
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 13 of 29
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s); of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root causes,
the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions by
September 28, 2012.
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
district proposes to take to
correct the root causes, and a
timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to
ensure that parents are
provided with a proposed IEP,
proposed placement or written
explanation of the finding of
no eligibility within 45
working days after receipt of
parental consent.
Conduct an internal review of a
sampling student records for
both initial and reevaluations
conducted after the
implementation of all
corrective actions to ensure
that evaluations were
conducted in compliance with
timelines.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 14 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
following: number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
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
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
SE 9A
Elements of
the eligibility
determination

Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review and
interviews indicate that
the district has
appropriate procedures in
place to determine
whether a student is
eligible for special
education, or requires
related services to make
effective progress or
access the general
education curriculum. If
the Team determines that
the student is not eligible,
but may be eligible for
accommodations for
disabilities under Section
504, the student is
referred for consideration
under that general
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 15 of 29
(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
education program. If the
Team makes a finding of
no eligibility, appropriate
services are provided
under the general
education program.
SE 12
Frequency of
evaluation
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicates that
timelines for completion
of re-evaluations were
not, in all instances, being
met.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of evaluations
conducted between September
2011 and April 2012, to
determine why the timelines
are not being met. Based on the
results of the analysis, provide
the district’s determination of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, the steps the
district proposes to take to
correct the root cause(s) and a
timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to
ensure that timelines for all reevaluations are being met.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 16 of 29
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s),
and the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions.
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
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
2013.
Conduct an internal review of
re-evaluation Team meetings
conducted subsequent to
implementation of the district’s
corrective actions to ensure
that re-evaluations are being
completed on time.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
SE 13
Progress
reports and
content
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents reveal that
progress reports are not
consistently completed
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of student records from
all grade levels from
September 2011 to April 2012
to determine why progress
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 17 of 29
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
following: number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
The Department will also
conduct an onsite review
to verify the correction of
non-compliance.
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, a
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Document
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
and issued with the same
frequency as they’re
issued to non-disabled
peers.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
reports are not consistently
completed and issued with the
same frequency as progress
reports are issued to nondisabled peers. Based on the
results of the analysis, provide
the district’s determination of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance and a timeline
for the implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to
ensure progress reports are
consistently completed and
issued with the same
frequency as they’re issued to
non-disabled peers.
Following implementation of
all corrective actions, conduct
an internal review of a sample
of student records from all
grade levels to ensure that
students are issued progress
reports for all their IEP goals
with the same frequency as
progress reports are issued to
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 18 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s),
and the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions by
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
following: number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
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
non-disabled peers.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
PI
Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review and
interviews indicate that
the district does not
consistently conduct a
Team meeting at least
annually on or before the
anniversary date of the
IEP to consider the
student’s progress, and to
review, revise or develop
a new IEP or refer the
student for a re-evaluation
as appropriate.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of annual reviews from
September 2011 to April 2012
to determine why annual
reviews are not routinely being
held on, or before, the
anniversary date of the last
accepted IEP. Based on the
results of the analysis, provide
the district’s determination of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, along with the
steps the district proposes to
take to correct the root causes
and a timeline for the
implementation of those
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 19 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s),
and the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions by
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
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
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to ensure
That annual reviews are
consistently held on or before
the anniversary date of the IEP.
Select a sample of student
records for annual reviews
conducted after the
implementation of all
corrective actions, and conduct
an internal review for
compliance with timelines.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 20 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
number of student records
reviewed; number of
records in compliance; for
records not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
The Department will
conduct an onsite review
to verify correction of
non-compliance.
Criterion
SE 18B
Determination of
placement
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
PI
Student
Records
Student record review and
interviews demonstrate
that the district does not
in all cases, immediately
following the
development of the IEP,
provide the parent with
two (2) copies of the
proposed IEP, or a
summary, which must, at
a minimum, contain (a) a
completed service
delivery grid describing
the types and amounts of
special education or
related services proposed
by the district, and (b) a
statement of the major
goal areas associated with
these services, followed
within two calendar
weeks by the two (2)
copies of the proposed
IEP.
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of IEPs from all grade
levels from September 2011 to
April 2012 to determine why
parents are not routinely being
provided with two copies of
the proposed IEP and
placement within the required
timelines.
Based on the results of the
analysis, provide the district’s
determination of the root
cause(s) of the noncompliance,
along with the steps the district
proposes to take to correct the
root cause(s) and a timeline for
the implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to ensure
that parents are routinely being
provided with two copies of
the proposed IEP and
placement within the required
timelines.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 21 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s),
and the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions by
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
following: number of
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
Select a sample of student
records from all grade levels
whose activity (initial
evaluation, annual review, reevaluation) was conducted
after implementation of all
corrective actions to review for
compliance with timelines for
the provision of two copies of
the proposed IEP to parents.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
SE 19
Extended
evaluation

Student
Records
Interviews
Student record review and
interviews demonstrate
that district staff
understand the extended
evaluation process and are
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 22 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
The Department will
conduct an onsite review
to verify correction of
non-compliance.
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
able to use it
appropriately.
SE 20
Least
restrictive
program
selected

Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents confirm that
the district is no longer
relying exclusively on an
inclusion model and the
former substantially
separate program,
Modified Vocational
Instruction at Pathfinder
(MVIP). The district has
expanded its continuum
of alternative services and
placement options.
Record review, interview,
and review of documents
indicate that the program
selected for the student is
the least restrictive
environment for that
student with consideration
given to any potential
harmful effects on the
student. If the student is
removed from the general
education classroom, the
Team states why the
removal is critical to the
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 23 of 29
(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
student’s program and the
basis for the conclusion
that the education of the
student in a less restrictive
environment with
supplementary aids and
services could not be
achieved satisfactorily.
SE 22
IEP
implementation and
availability
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents reveal that the
district now has a process
in place to actively inform
teachers and service
providers of their specific
responsibilities related to
the implementation of the
student’s IEP and the
specific accommodations,
modifications and
supports that must be
provided under it.
However, the district does
not consistently have an
IEP in effect for each
eligible student at the
beginning of the school
year.
For those students whose
records were identified by the
Department because they did
not have a current IEP
consented to and in place at the
time of the onsite review,
secure the consent of the parent
and/or student.
Conduct an analysis of a cross
section of student records from
September 2011 to April 2012
to determine why the district
does not in all cases have an
IEP in effect for each eligible
student at the beginning of the
school year. Based on the
results of the analysis, provide
the district’s determination of
the root cause(s) of the
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 24 of 29
For those identified
student records, submit
evidence that consent was
secured and documented
in student records and/or
evidence of ongoing
attempts to obtain consent
with evidence of the
district’s subsequent
actions (i.e., copy of the
Notice of School District
Action (N1), Meeting
Invitation (N3), and
Attendance Sheet (N 3A)
for the IEP Team
meetings) by September
28, 2012.
Please submit the results
of the district’s analysis.
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
noncompliance, along with the
steps the district proposes to
take to correct the root causes
and a timeline for the
implementation of those
corrections.
Develop an internal tracking
and oversight system with
periodic review by designated
person(s) responsible, to ensure
that the district has an IEP in
effect for each eligible student
at the beginning of the school
year.
Select a sampling of student
records across all grade levels
for annual reviews and reevaluations conducted after the
implementation of all
corrective actions, and conduct
an internal review to ensure
that all eligible students have
an IEP in place for the 20122013 school year.
*Please note that when
monitoring the district must
maintain the following
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 25 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
Include a description of
the root cause(s) of the
noncompliance, a
description of the steps
the district will take to
correct the root cause(s),
the district’s proposed
timeline for
implementation of
corrective actions, and
September 28, 2012.
Submit a description of
the district’s internal
oversight and tracking
system with periodic
review along with the
name/role of the
designated person(s)
responsible by January 4,
2013.
Submit a report of the
results of the internal
record review. Include the
following: number of
student records reviewed;
number of records in
compliance; for records
not in compliance,
determine the root
Criterion
SE 24
Notice to
parent
regarding
proposal or
refusal to
initiate or
change the
identification,
evaluation, or
educational
placement for
the child or
the provision
of FAPE
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student record review,
interviews and review of
documents indicate that
the district does not
consistently provide
written notice to parents
and document written
parental consent before
conducting an evaluation
or re-evaluation.
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
documentation and make it
available to the Department
upon request: a) List of
student names and grade
levels for the record review; b)
Date of the review; c) Name of
person(s) who conducted the
review, their roles(s), and their
signature(s).
cause(s); and the specific
action(s) taken by the
district to remedy the noncompliance by January
4, 2013.
See SE 25.
See SE 25.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 26 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
The Department will
conduct an onsite review
to verify correction of
non-compliance.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

SE 33
Involvement
in the general
curriculum

SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Records
Student record review and
interviews demonstrate
that the district ensures
that at least one member
of the Team familiar with
the general curriculum is
present and able to
discuss the student’s
appropriate access to the
general education
curriculum.
Interviews
Student
Records
Interviews
Document
Review
If Partially Implemented or
Not Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and Timelines for
Implementation
According to student
record review, interviews
and review of documents,
the district disbanded the
substantially separate
program, MVIP. Student
record review and
interviews indicate that
decisions concerning each
student’s placement and
services are Team
decisions based on the
individual needs of the
student. The school
provides a continuum of
services to meet the needs
of all student with
disabilities and takes the
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 27 of 29
(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
necessary steps to ensure
compliance with all
elements of the IEP. The
continuum of services
now includes a variety of
placement and service
options including; full
inclusion with and
without consult, tutorials
and strategy classes for
both special education
and general education
students, individual and
small group support in the
shop areas and related
classes, as well as self contained small group
pull out classes.
Vocational exploratories
are available to all
students.
SE 43
Behavioral
interventions

Student
Records
Interviews
Student record reviews
and interviews indicate
that when a student’s
behavior impedes their
learning or the learning of
others, the Team
considers the student’s
behavior including the use
of positive behavioral
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 28 of 29
(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
interventions and the
possible need for a
functional behavioral
analysis.
SE 48
Equal
opportunity
to participate
in
educational,
nonacademic,
extracurricular and
ancillary
programs as
well as
regular
education

Interviews
Document
Review
Interviews and a review
of documents indicate that
all students receiving
special education have an
equal opportunity to
participate in and, if
appropriate, receive credit
for the vocational,
supportive, or remedial
services that may be
available as part of the
general education
program as well as the
non-academic and
extracurricular programs
of the school.
Pathfinder Regional Vocational School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
May 14, 2012
Page 29 of 29
(b) Progress Report Due
Date(s) and Required
Elements
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District: Pathfinder Regional Vocational School District
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