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
July 14, 2008
Karmala Sherwood, Charter School Leader
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School
23 Leonard Street
Boston, MA 02122
Re: Mid-cycle Report 2008
Dear Ms. Sherwood:
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 April 22, 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.
We are pleased to tell you that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
has found the Corrective Action Plan implemented by your district to have been effective
in substantially remedying many previously identified noncompliance in Special
Education. The Department has also found your district to have implemented special
education compliance criteria that were created or substantially changed in response to
IDEA 2004, as well as SE 33 on the access of students with disabilities to the district’s
general curriculum (the curriculum expected to be taught to all students).
While the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education found your district to
have resolved most noncompliance issues, a few were partially corrected or the
Department’s onsite team identified new issues of noncompliance. 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 immediately. In the case of
new findings of noncompliance, this corrective action must be corrected as soon as
1
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 your charter school will implement the corrective action specified in the
report within the timelines specified by the Department. You must submit your statement
of assurance to me by July 30, 2008.
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 781338-3726.
Sincerely,
Tom Taylor, 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
William Lahey, Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Cheryl Belfry, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Mid-cycle Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR) Final Report: May 20, 2005
Date Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Approved or Ordered: July 1, 2006
Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: January 3, 2007, May 30, 2007, September 21, 2007, and November 2, 2007
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: June 2 and 3, 2008
Date of this Report: July 14, 2008
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN SEVERAL SECTIONS.
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
SE 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
learning
disability
Criterion
Implemented

Yes
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Student
Records and
Staff Interviews
All members of the Team
sign documentation that
demonstrates a written
determination as to whether
the student has a specific
learning disability. In the
student records examined,
the IEP Team completed the
new Determination of
Specific Learning Disability
Form.
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 1 of 12
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
SE 6 ##1 - 3
Determination
of Transition
Services
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
SE 12
Frequency of
re-evaluation
Criterion
Implemented

Yes
Yes
Yes
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Student
Records and
Staff Interviews
SLACS uses the current
Transition Planning Form
and places the completed
form in the student record.
Student transition plans are
discussed at IEP Team
meetings, beginning at age
15.
Record Review,
Documentation
and Staff
Interviews
SLACS consistently has all
required staff members
attend Team meetings.
There is always someone
present at Team meetings to
commit the school’s
resources.
Record Review,
Documentation
and Staff
Interviews
SLACS has a monitoring
system to track the dates that
IEPs are issued and when
annual reviews and reevaluations must be
scheduled to ensure the
timely completion before the
anniversary dates of the IEP.
The Special Education
Administrator is responsible
for the oversight of this
monitoring system.
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 2 of 12
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
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
Partially
Implemented
Student
Records and
Staff Interviews
Special education student
Progress Reports are
provided to parents as often
as regular student’s
education students receive
progress reports.
Partially
Implemented
Information sent to
parents does not measure
student’s progress toward
meeting the IEP annual
goals.
The charter school must review
the progress reporting
requirements with the staff
responsible for the completion
of IEP progress reports. The
signed attendance sheet(s) of
any staff training sessions must
be submitted to the Department
by September 30, 2008.
After completing the staff
training, the charter school will
conduct its own internal review
of progress reports to ensure
that progress reports are
measuring student progress
towards meeting IEP annual
goals. The charter school will
indicate to the Department the
person(s) responsible for
conducting the internal review
and the results of the review;
including the number of
student records reviewed and
the school’s compliance rate.
The school must also describe
any additional corrective
actions taken if noncompliance
was identified.
Please submit the required
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 3 of 12
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
progress report information to
the Department December 15,
2008.
SE 14
Review and
revision of IEPs
Yes
Student Record
Review,
Documentation
Review and
Staff Interviews
The charter school has a
monitoring system to ensure
that annual review meetings
are held before the
anniversary date of the IEP.
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
Yes
Documentation
Review and
Staff Interviews
SLACS has procedures to
address the resolution of
disputes before proceeding to
the Bureau of Special
Education Appeals (BSEA).
Yes
Student
Records,
Documentation
Review and
Staff Interviews
All students have access and
involvement in the general
curriculum according to the
student record information
and student schedules
reviewed by the onsite team.
SE 33
Involvement in
the General
Curriculum
SE 39A
Procedures for
services to
eligible private
school students
NA
SE 39A does not apply to
charter schools.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 4 of 12
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
The charter school does
not have procedures for
conducting manifestation
determinations in the
handbook. In addition,
there was no evidence of
The charter school must
forward to the Department
procedures regarding
manifestation determinations
that are incorporated into the
student/family handbook. The
whose parents
reside in the
district
(SE 39A does
not apply to
charter schools
or vocational
schools)
SE 39B
Procedures for
services to
eligible students
in private
schools in the
district whose
parents reside
out of state
SE 39B does not apply to
charter schools.
NA
(SE 39B does
not apply to
charter schools
or vocational
schools)
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
Partially
Implemented
Documentation
Review and
Staff Interviews
Smith Leadership Academy
has a policy and procedures
in place for the suspension of
students with disabilities.
The policy and procedures
are stated in the
Partially
Implemented
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 5 of 12
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

student/family handbook.
days
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
staff training on
conducting manifestation
determinations
charter school must forward to
the Department copies of
agendas, staff sign-in sheets
and workshop materials
concerning the topic of:
conducting and implementing
manifestation determinations.
The corrective action is due
September 30, 2008.
SE 52
Appropriate
certifications/
licenses or other
credentials –
related service
providers
(to be reviewed
only with respect
to providers of
interpreting
services)
Yes
Documentation
Review and
Staff Interviews
SLACS does not employ a
provider of interpreting
services at this time. If
needed, the charter school
would subcontract for this
related service.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 6 of 12
Special Education Criteria Monitored because of Issues Identified during the CPR
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
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Implemented
Yes
Student Records,
Documentation
and Staff
Interviews
SLACS properly selects
assessments. SLACS
uses available staff and
contracted resources to
provide assessments in
the native language of
the student, when
needed.
SE 2
Required and
optional
assessments
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
Student records indicate
that all the required
assessments have been
administered including
the educational status
assessments.
SE 9
Timelines for
determination of
eligibility
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
SLACS has instituted a
database tracking system
that monitors timelines,
completion of initial, and
re-evaluation activities.
The charter school is
meeting the mandated
timeline requirements.
SE 18A
IEP development
and content
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
IEPs are developed at the
Team meeting, all
elements of the IEP are
addressed, and the IEP is
SE 1
Assessments
appropriately
selected and
interpreted
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 7 of 12
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
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
not changed at a higher
administrative level.
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
Yes
Documentation
Review and Staff
Interviews
SE 21
School day and
school year
requirements
SE 22
IEP
implementation
and availability
The review of student
records and staff
interviews indicated that
each special education
child is considered for
extended year
programming by the IEP
Team.
School counseling is
provided through the
school and documented
in the service delivery
grids of student IEPs,
when the IEP Team
recommends such
services. The school has
procedures to notify
parents in writing, if
there is a delay in the
provision of services.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 8 of 12
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
SE 24
Notice to parents
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Implemented
Yes
Record Review
and Documentation Review
SLACS provides written
notification to parent(s)
when seeking consent to
evaluate, making an
eligibility determination,
and determining
placement.
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Documentation
and Staff
Interviews
SE 32
Parent Advisory
Council (PAC)
SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements
Yes
Please refer to
SE 22.
SE 35
Assistive
technology
Yes
Student Records
and Documentation Review
Yes
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
SLACS will be electing
PAC officers in the Fall
of 2008; however, the
charter school has not
established by-laws for
the operation of its PAC.
The charter school will submit
the PAC bylaws to the
Department by September 30,
2008.
Please refer to SE 22.
Assistive technology
needs are routinely
considered as part of the
IEP development
process.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 9 of 12
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Implemented
SE 36
IEP
implementation,
accountability
and financial
responsibility
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
SLACS implements the
IEP immediately upon
the consent of the
parent(s). All services
are provided as indicated
on the IEP ‘Service
Delivery Grid”.
SE 49
Related services
Yes
Student Records
and Staff
Interviews
Assessments are not
conducted during service
delivery times.
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Please refer to SE 22 for
further information.
SE 54
Professional
development
Yes
Documentation
Review and Staff
Interviews
The charter school’s
documentation and staff
interviews indicated
recent training on
addressing the diverse
learning needs of
students whose primary
language is not English.
SE 55
Special education
facilities and
Yes
Staff Interviews
and Building
Tour
The onsite team did not
find any religious icons
present in classrooms.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 10 of 12
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
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Special education
facilities are equal to the
standards provided to
regular education.
classrooms
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

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
ELE 11
Equal Access
to Academic
Programs and
Services
Yes
Documentation
and Staff
Interviews
Consistent with the data
reported to the Department in
2007-2008, Smith
Leadership Academy Charter
School (SLACS) currently
does not have limited
English proficient (LEP)
students. SLACS does have
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
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 11 of 12
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Criterion
Number/Topic
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Method(s) of
Verification
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
procedures to identify LEP
students. SLACS has hired
an English Language
Education coordinator.
Presently, SLACS has in
place the ability to translate
into the primary language
notices, announcements, and
newsletters. SLACS can
provide ESL instruction, if
such services become
necessary.
Smith Leadership Academy Charter School Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
July 14, 2008
Page 12 of 12
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements