Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
350 Main Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-5023
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
June 4, 2008
Dr. Reza A. Namin, Superintendent
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District
P.O. Box 680, 507 South Main Street
Orange, MA 01364
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Namin,
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report.
This report contains findings based on onsite monitoring the Department conducted to
determine the effectiveness of corrective action it approved or ordered to address
noncompliance identified in your district’s last Coordinated Program Review Report,
dated March 23, 2005. The Mid-cycle Report also contains findings based on onsite
monitoring of special education compliance criteria that have been created or
substantially changed in response to IDEA 2004.
While the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education found your district to
have resolved certain noncompliance issues, others were partially corrected or not
addressed at all, or the Department’s onsite team identified new issues of noncompliance,
including but not limited to noncompliance with special education criteria added or
substantially changed in response to IDEA 2004. Where the district has failed to
implement its Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Plan, the Department
views these findings to be serious. The Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that all special education
noncompliance be corrected as soon as possible, but in no case later than one year from
the time of identification; where the district has failed to implement its CPR Corrective
Action Plan, this one-year period has long since passed.
In all instances where noncompliance has been found, the Department has prescribed
corrective action for the district that must be implemented without delay. (In the case of
new findings of noncompliance, this corrective action must be corrected 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 progress reporting. Please provide the Department with your written
assurance that all of the Department's requirements for corrective action will be
implemented by your district within the timelines specified in the report. You must
submit your statement of assurance to me by June 18, 2008.
1
Your staff's cooperation throughout this Mid-cycle Review is appreciated. Should you
like clarification of any part of our report, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781338- 3713.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Minnucci, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary
Education
Michael Baldassarre, Special Education Director
Encl.: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
2
DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR) Final Report: March 23, 2005
Date Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Approved or Ordered: July 14, 2005
Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: April 7, 2006, July 6, 2006
Dates of Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: February 14 & 15, 2008
Date of this Report: June 4, 2008
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN SEVERAL SECTIONS.
Special Education Criteria Cited in CPR Report and Monitored in Mid-cycle
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 3
Determination of a
specific
learning
disability
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Partial
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Review of
student
records
The IEP Team
occasionally writes
an SLD, specific
learning disability,
determination.
Document
Review
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Partial
When a student is suspected of
having an SLD, the Team does
not consistently create a
written SLD determination
signed by all members of the
Team. If there is a
disagreement, Team members
do not always document their
disagreement.
Conduct training for appropriate staff on
the requirements for determining a specific
learning disability (SLD) and how to use
the Department’s SLD determination
forms. These forms can be found at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/iep/sld/.
Submit an agenda and attendance by
October 1, 2008.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 1 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit, by December 15, 2008, the results
of an administrative review of student
records and report the number of students
referred for an evaluation and suspected of
having an SLD since training was
conducted and the number of instances
where the Department’s SLD forms were
utilized and signed by members of the
team. Describe additional corrective action
the district will take if non-compliance is
found.
SE 4
Reports of
assessment
results

Review of
student
records
Document
Review
Assessments are
completed prior to
discussion by the
Team and copies are
provided to the
parent in advance of
the Team meeting.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 2 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 5
Participation in
general,
state and
districtwide
assessment
programs
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Partial
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Review of
student
records
All students are
included in the
MCAS and other
district- wide
assessment
programs.
Interviews
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Partial
The IEP Teams for students
taking the alternate MCAS
assessment do not identify the
learning strands and standards
indicating how students will
participate, as required in
section 2 on IEP page 7.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit evidence of training for appropriate
staff on how to document student
participation in alternate assessments,
including the identification of strands and
standards to be assessed on IEP 7. Submit
an agenda and attendance by October 1,
2008.
Submit, by December 15, 2008, an
administrative review of student records for
IEPs developed after October 1st and report
the number of students taking the
alternative MCAS in SY 2008-09, and the
number of MCAS participation pages that
are completed correctly. Include the name
of the person responsible for ensuring
compliance with this criterion and any
steps taken by the district to correct noncompliance. Also submit a sample of IEP
page 7 for students taking the alternate
assessment during the 2008-2009 SY.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 3 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 6 # 1 - 3
Determination of
Transition
Services
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and
attendance
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Partial
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Review of
student
records
A Transition
Planning Form was
evidenced in student
records and
documentation.
Partial
The Department’s mandated
Transition Planning Form,
TPF, is enclosed in the file of
students 15 years and older;
however, the TPFs were
consistently incomplete.
See corrective action
for this criterion.

All required members of the
IEP Team are not consistently
present at Team meetings.
Missing persons often include
the parents and regular
education teachers. Excusal
Forms were not found.
Document
Review
Review of
student
records
Document
Review
Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 4 of 22
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Conduct training for appropriate staff on
the purpose, and how to complete
Transition Planning Forms. Submit an
agenda and attendance by October 1,
2008.
Submit, by December 15, 2008, an internal
administrative review of student records for
students age 15 and over having IEPs
developed after October 1st and report the
number of student’s eligible for transition
planning and the number of TPFs that are
completed correctly. Include the name of
the person responsible for ensuring
compliance with this criterion and any
steps taken by the district to correct noncompliance. Submit five samples of
completed student TPFs completed after
the training.
Submit a plan for how the district will
ensure that a regular education teacher
attends IEP Team meetings and what
multiple activities will be conducted to
maximize parent participation, by October
1, 2008. Conduct training for Team
Chairpersons on the plan and use of the
mandated attendance excusal form. Submit
an agenda and attendance sheet, by
October 1, 2008.
Criterion
Number/
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit the results of an administrative
review of IEP Team meetings conducted
since the training. Report the number where
all required Team members were NOT
present, and if appropriate excusal forms
were used. Submit results and describe any
additional corrective action taken, by
December 15, 2008.
SE 9
Timelines
for
eligibility
determination
Review of
student
records
Interviews

Evaluations were not
conducted within regulatory
timelines. Consent was not sent
within five days of receiving
the referral, evaluations were
not always completed within
30 days of receiving the signed
consent, and Team meetings
were not always held within 45
days. Some student records
indicated that evaluations were
completed prior to the district
receiving signed parental
consent.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 5 of 22
Submit a tracking system for monitoring
and meeting timeline requirements for
conducting evaluations and re-evaluations,
and for holding IEP Team meetings
(eligibility and annual reviews). Submit a
copy of the monitoring plan and the person
responsible for ensuring that this criterion
is met, and evidence of training of
appropriate staff on the plan, by October 1,
2008.
Submit results of an administrative review
of the number of referrals received since
the implementation of the district
monitoring plan, and the number that were
processed within required timelines.
Include the number of psychological
assessments conducted and completed
within the required timeframes and if done
with parental consent. Submit findings and
corrective action taken if non-compliance is
found, by December 15, 2008.
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 12
Frequency
of Reevaluation
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective



Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Review of
student
records
Three-year reevaluations are
conducted.
Interviews
(See SE 14)
Review of
student
records
Progress reports are
completed with the
same frequency as
the report card cycle
and contain all
required information.
Document
Review
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
Review of
student
records
Document
Review
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified


Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Not all annual Team meetings
are consistently held before the
IEP anniversary date.
Three-year re-evaluations are
not always conducted so that a
new IEP is proposed prior to
the expiration of the IEP.
This results in expired IEPs.
Submit a plan/tracking system for the
purpose of monitoring timelines for
conducting annual review and re-evaluation
team meetings as in SE 9, so that a new IEP
may be proposed before the expiration date,
by October 1, 2008
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 6 of 22
Conduct training for all appropriate staff
regarding the tracking system and
monitoring plan. Submit an agenda and
attendance by October 1, 2008. Indicate
the person responsible for ensuring
compliance with this criterion.
Criterion
Number/
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit results of an administrative review
of timelines for holding annual and Reevaluation IEP Review meetings since the
training. Indicate how many were reviewed
in each building, how many resulted in
proposed IEPs before the expiration date,
and any additional corrective action
conducted by the district, by December 15,
2008
SE-18A
IEP
Development
and content
Review of
student
records

Not all IEPs contain
measurable goals and
benchmarks based on the
individual needs of the student.
Interviews
Conduct faculty training on writing
measurable IEP goals. Submit an agenda
and attendance, by October 1, 2008
Submit results of an administrative review
of student IEPs developed after the training
in each building to determine if goals are
measurable, and report steps taken by the
district if non-compliance is found, and the
person responsible for ensuring that this
criterion is met, by December 15, 2008.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 7 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 18B
Determination of
placement
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Partial
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Review of
student
records
At the Team meeting
the Team determines
the appropriate
placement to deliver
services stated on the
student’s IEP.
Partial
Not all Team Chairs are aware
of their responsibility to
provide parents with two
copies of the proposed IEP and
proposed placement
immediately after the IEP
Team meeting.
Conduct training for the out-of-district
coordinator(s) on writing of NonParticipation Justification statements in the
IEP for students with proposed out-ofdistrict placements. Submit an agenda and
attendance sheet by October 1, 2008. Also
submit a memo sent to all Team Chairs, or
agenda and date for training, reminding
staff of the need to provide two copies of
the typed, proposed IEP within ten days of
the meeting, or within 3-5 days if no
summary is given to parents at the
conclusion of the meeting.
Interviews
The Non-Participation
Justification section of IEPs for
students in out-of-district
placements does not always
justify the need for a more
restrictive environment.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 8 of 22
Conduct an administrative review of all
IEPs for students placed out of district,
written after the training. Indicate the
number of IEPs reviewed, the number with
Non-Participation Justification statements
that are tied to the student’s disability and
need for services, and that answer why the
disability requires the student to be placed
in an out-of-district program. Submit
results and any additional corrective action,
by December 15, 2008.
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE 19
Extended
evaluation
SE 22
IEP
Implementa
-tion and
availability
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Review of
student
records
Review of
student
records
Interviews
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified



Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Parental consent is not always
obtained to conduct an
extended evaluation. Extended
evaluations are not always
completed within the required
eight weeks.
IEPs are sometimes
implemented before written
consent is received from the
parent/guardian.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Conduct training for IEP Team Chairs
regarding the use of extended evaluations,
including the purpose, timeline, and need
for parental consent. Submit an agenda
and attendance by October 1, 2008
Submit an administrative review of all
extended evaluations conducted since the
training, to ensure timeline protocol and
parental consent. Submit the results of the
review, steps taken by the district if noncompliance is found, and the person
responsible for ensuring that this criterion
is met, by December 15, 2008. Include two
samples of extended evaluation requests
that state the purpose, timelines, and
contain parental consent
Conduct faculty training on the need for
written parental consent prior to IEP
implementation. Submit an agenda and
attendance by October 1, 2008.
Submit the results of an administrative
review of a sample of student records to
determine if parental consent was received
prior to IEP implementation, and that staff
were appropriately informed of the receipt
of consent, by December 15, 2008.
Describe any corrective action taken if non-
SE 25
Parental
consent
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 9 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
compliance is found.
SE 24
Notice to
parent
regarding
the
provision of
FAPE
Partial
Review of
student
records
Interviews
Parental rights are
sent out annually.
Partial
Parental Rights notices are not
always issued at all required
junctures.
At times, the district did not
respond to referrals for special
education evaluations within
five school working days.
Develop a system of oversight for the
issuance of Parental Rights notices and for
responding to parent referrals (both written
and verbal) within the required five-day
timeline. Submit a description of the
oversight system and the name of the
person(s) responsible for implementing
corrective action for this criterion, by
October 1, 2008.
Conduct training for key personnel on
responding to referrals within five school
days of receipt (both written and verbal
referrals) and the requirement for sending
additional copies of the parent rights
brochure. Submit an agenda and
attendance sheet by October 1, 2008.
Conduct an administrative review of
student records post-training to ensure that
referrals are responded to within five
school days. Submit the number of records
reviewed and the number of records not in
compliance with this criterion by
December 15, 2008. Include any steps
taken by the district to correct noncompliance and indicate the person
responsible for implementing corrective
action.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 10 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Review of
student
records
SE 25B
Resolution
of disputes
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting

The district does not always
convene a meeting with parents
and relevant members of the
IEP Team within 15 days of
receiving notice that the parent
has made an official hearing
request to the Bureau of
Special Education Appeals,
BSEA.
Develop and submit a plan/system of
oversight for ensuring the reconvening of
an IEP Team meeting within the 15 day
required timeline after a parent requests a
hearing from the BSEA, and conduct
training for all key staff on resolution of
dispute procedures, per. 34 CFR 300.510.
Submit the plan, an agenda and attendance,
by October 1, 2008.
Submit the results of an administrative
review of all student records where a BSEA
hearing is requested to check for convening
of an IEP Team within mandated timelines,
by December 15, 2008. Indicate
additional steps taken by the district if noncompliance is found.
SE 29
Communica
-tion is in
English and
the primary
language of
the home

Review of
student
records
Communications are
in simple and
commonly
understood language
and are translated,
when needed, in the
primary language of
the home
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 11 of 22
Criterion
Number/
Topic
SE32
Parent
advisory
council for
special
education
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
ted and
Effective

Partial
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of
Determination that
Corrective Action
was Implemented
and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective,
Or New Issues
Identified

Document
Review
The district has
established a special
education parent
advisory council,
PAC. Membership
on the council is
offered to all parents
of students with
disabilities. A
variety of workshops
have been provided
for parents, including
ADHD, self
advocacy and the
rights of students and
parents under federal
and state special
education laws.
Partial
Interviews
Basis of Determination that
Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
The PAC does not currently
meet regularly with school
officials to participate in the
planning, development, and
evaluation of the district’s
special education programs.
Required Corrective Action, Timelines
for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit, by October 1, 2008, a plan and
implementation timelines for PAC
involvement in the process of planning,
developing and evaluating district special
education programs.
Submit, by December 15, 2008,
documentation of PAC involvement to date
and the updated schedule of PAC meetings
and evaluation activities for the school
year.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 12 of 22
Special Education Criteria Created or Revised in Response to IDEA-2004
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

SE 33
Involvement in
the general
education
curriculum

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Review of
student
records
The district has taken steps to
provide students with essential
learning opportunities that
prepare the students to reach
the state graduation standards.
Interviews
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
The district documents the
student’s participation in the
general curriculum on the IEP.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 13 of 22
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

SE 36
IEP
Partial
The district provides all
programs and services without
expense to the child’s parents.
Partial
Implementation
Review of
student
records
and financial
responsibility
Interviews
The district first seeks to place
a student in a program
approved by the Department
pursuant to the requirement of
603 CMR 28.09.
SE 37
Procedures for
approved and
unapproved
out-of-district
placements
Document
Review
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
The district does not have
formal procedures for use
of approved and unapproved out-of -district
placements and individual
student program
oversight. Written
contracts between the
district and all public and
private out-of-district
placements, as required
under 603 CMR
29.06(3)(f)(1-5), were not
found.
Submit a plan for monitoring
the provision of services and
programs for students serviced
out-of-district. Include a
sample contract and
monitoring form, by October
1, 2008.
Provide training for faculty
involved in out-of-district
placements regarding student
program oversight procedures
and compliance monitoring.
Submit an agenda and
attendance sheet by October 1,
2008.
Conduct an administrative
review of out-of-district
student records to ensure that
monitoring procedures are
followed. Submit the number
of records reviewed and the
number of records found not to
be in compliance by
December 15, 2008. Include
samples of a completed
contract and monitoring form,
and additional steps taken by
the district if non-compliance
is found.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 14 of 22
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
SE 39A
Services to
eligible private
school students
whose parents
reside in the
district;
Criterion
Implemented


Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Review of
student
records
The district currently has no
students who are enrolled at
private expense in private
schools, nor do they have any
private schools in the district.
Document
Review
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
SE 39B
Students
whose parents
reside out of
state
SE 40
Instructional
grouping for
students five
and older
SE 41
Age span
requirements

Document
Review
Interviews
The size and composition of
instructional groupings for
eligible students receiving
services outside the general
education classroom are
compatible with state
requirements and the methods
and goals stated in each IEP.

Review of
student
records
Document
Review
In some special education
classrooms, the age of the
oldest and youngest child
differ by greater than 48
months and the district
did not apply for an age
span waiver as required in
CMR 28.06 (6)(f).
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 15 of 22
Submit a plan for limiting the
age span of students in any
classroom to no more than 48
months, by October 1, 2008.
Conduct training for key
faculty on age span
requirements and, where
appropriate, waiver procedures.
Submit an agenda and an
attendance sheet by October 1,
2008.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Submit an administrative
review of special education
classes for the 2008-09 SY and
report if student groups in any
classes exceed the 48 month
limit. For any non-compliant
instructional settings, submit
age span waiver documentation
by October 1, 2008.
SE 43
Behavioral
interventions

Review of
student
records
Interviews
SE 44
Procedures for
recording
suspensions

Review of
student
records
For students whose behavior
impedes their learning, the IEP
Team recognizes the possible
need for a functional
behavioral assessment, FBA,
and includes that assessment
and a Behavioral Intervention
Plan, when appropriate.
The district has a procedure to
record the number and duration
of suspensions for student with
and without disabilities.
Interviews,
Document
Review
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 16 of 22
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
days

SE 49
Related
services
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Review of
student
records
The district handbook contains
information about the
discipline of students with
disabilities. Student records
indicate that the district follows
procedures for suspension of
students with disabilities when
suspensions exceed 10 days.
Interviews
Document
Review
Partial
Review of
student
records
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

The district has related service
providers under contract with
the district.
Interviews
Partial
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Interviews indicate that
related services are not
always provided as stated
on student IEPs.
Although the district
provided a letter
indicating a lack of
continuum in speech and
language services, this
letter was not evidenced
in student files.
Students identified as
having social and
emotional needs are not
always provided
counseling services.
Submit a plan for the provision
of all speech services identified
in IEPs, and for counseling
services and programs for
students who have social
emotional needs, by October
1, 2008.
Submit the results of an
administrative review of
related service provider time
logs, to ensure all related
services identified on IEPs are
provided, by October 1, 2008.
For areas of non-compliance
provide the letter sent to
parents indicating the time and
reason for any lapse in services
and plan for addressing those
IEP goals.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 17 of 22
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially or
Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Submit the results of an
administrative review of
student records for students
who require social/emotional
support, according to an IEP or
evaluation, and indicate if they
have an appropriate IEP goal
and/or counseling services
indicated on the Service
Delivery Grid. Report by
October 1, 2008. Include the
person responsible for ensuring
compliance with this criterion.
SE 50
Administrator
of special
education
SE 52
Appropriate
certifications/
licenses

Interviews
Document
Review
Interviews

Document
Review
The district has a designated
person as its Administrator of
Special Education who is
appropriately licensed.
All related service providers
are properly licensed by the
relevant professional standards
board or agency for the
profession.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 18 of 22
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

SE 53
Use of paraprofessionals
Partial
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Interviews
Interviews indicate that
paraprofessionals do not design
instruction or modify
curriculum.
Document
Review
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Partial
All paraprofessionals are
not appropriately trained
to assist in providing
special education or
related services.
Develop, and submit by
October 1, 2008, a plan for
training paraprofessionals to
ensure they are able to assist in
providing special education to
individual students. Submit a
schedule for training and the
name of the individual
responsible for these trainings.
Submit by December 15, 2008
agendas and attendance sheets
for paraprofessional training
conducted since the start of the
2008-09 SY.
SE 54
Professional
development
Partial
Interviews
Document
Review
Interviews indicate that staff are
trained in state and federal
special education requirements
and related local special
education policies and
procedures.
Partial
Regular and special
education faculty are
trained in some, but not
all, professional
development criteria.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 19 of 22
Submit a training plan, by
October 1, 2008, for all
regular and special education
faculty on the required topics:
1. analyzing & accommodating
diverse learning styles of all
students.
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
2. methods of collaboration
among teachers,
paraprofessionals and
assistants to accommodate
diverse learning styles of all
students in the regular
classroom.
3. training for locally hired
and contracted
transportation providers, and
monitors, on the needs of
special education students
they transport.
Submit the agenda and
attendance for all training,
conducted to date in the 200809 SY, by December 15, 2008.
SE 55
Special
education
facilities

Observation
The district provides facilities
and classrooms for eligible
students that are at least equal in
all physical aspects to the
average standards of regular
education facilities.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 20 of 22
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

SE 56
Special
education
programs and
services
Partial
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Interviews
The district, under new
leadership, is developing a
process to evaluate special
education programs and
services.
Document
Review
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Partial
The district has not fully
developed a tool or a plan
to evaluate its special
education programs and
services.
Complete the evaluation
tool/method and submit a copy
of the plan to evaluate the
district’s special education
programs and services, by
October 1, 2008. (Including
participation of the PAC.)
Submit the results of the
evaluation and include a
description of the actions taken
by the district to improve
special education programming
and services based upon the
evaluation results by
December 15, 2008.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 21 of 22
Criteria from Other Regulated Programs Monitored During this Mid-cycle Review
Current CPR criteria available by scrolling down to the monitoring instruments at http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

ELE 11
Equal access to
academic
programs and
services

Method(s) of
Verification
Review of
student
records
Interviews
Document
Review
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented
or Not
Effective
Or
New Issues
Identified

Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective
Or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
The district ensures that LEP
students have equal access and
participate fully with their
English speaking peers.
Considerable effort has been
made to comply with all ELE
regulations since the CPR in
2005.
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
June 4, 2008
Page 22 of 22
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements