The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Education
350 Main Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-5023
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
January 24, 2007
David Papagni, Superintendent –Director
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
57 Old Muggett Hill Road
Charlton, MA 01507
Re: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
Dear Superintendent-Director Papagni:
Enclosed is the Department of Education's Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report (Midcycle Report). This report contains findings based on onsite monitoring conducted to verify the
implementation and effectiveness of corrective action approved or ordered by the Department to
address findings of noncompliance included in the South Worcester County Regional Vocational
School District Coordinated Program Review Report issued on June 23, 2004. 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.
Another component of the Department’s Mid-cycle Review is the review of your school district's
self-assessment in the area of English learner education (ELE). (In the remainder of this letter,
please read “district” as meaning “school district or school.”) The purpose of this review is to
determine whether your district is implementing the significant changes in M.G.L. Chapter 71A,
governing the education of limited English proficient students, that were adopted by voters by
means of Question 2 in 2002. The Department has reviewed your district’s ELE self-assessment
(documentation and any written analysis of compliance) and, based solely on that selfassessment, is providing you in this report with findings on your ELE program and, where
necessary, corrective action to be implemented. Your district is urged to request technical
assistance in relation to any of these findings or this prescribed corrective action from me or from
staff in the Department’s Office of Language Acquisition and Achievement at 781-338-3534.
ELE guidance documents are available on the Department’s website at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/ .
While the Department of 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, either noncompliance with special education criteria
added or substantially changed in response to IDEA 2004, noncompliance with ELE criteria, or
other new noncompliance. Where the district has failed to implement its approved Corrective
Action Plan, the Department views these findings to be serious.
1
In all instances where noncompliance has been found, the Department has prescribed corrective
action for the district that must be implemented without delay. You will find these requirements
for corrective action included in the attached 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. You must submit your statement of assurance to me by February 9, 2007.
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 781-338-3947.
Sincerely,
Jean E. Jonker, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
Benjamin LaMountain, School Committee Chairperson
Timothy Gilrein, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.: Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report
2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE COORDINATED PROGRAM REVIEW REPORT
ONSITE MONITORING OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION AND OF
CERTAIN NEW REQUIREMENTS
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR): March 1-4, 2004
Date of Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Plan Approval: September 21, 2004
Dates of Progress Reports: January 5, 2005, June 9, 2005, August 16, 2005, December 1, 2005, June 15, 2006
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: November 14-15, 2006
Date of this Report: January 24, 2007
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
SPECIAL
EDUCATION
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
-ted and
Effective

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN SEVERAL SECTIONS.
Corrective
Method(s)
Basis of Determination that
Action Not
Basis of Determination
of
Corrective Action was
Implementhat Implementation
Verification
Implemented and has been
ted or Not
of Corrective Action
Effective
Effective
was Incomplete or
or New
Ineffective or
Issues
Basis of Finding of

New Noncompliance
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Criteria
SE 1
Assessments
are
appropriately
selected and
interpreted

DocumentReview,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
Assessments used include ageappropriate evaluations,
individualized to address
specific suspected disabilities.
The district uses information
from a variety of sources to
ensure placement in a least
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 1 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
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 or Not
Effective
or New
Issues

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
restrictive environment.
SE 2
Required and
Optional
Assessments
SE 18A
IEP
Development
and Content

Partial
Document
Review,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area. The
record review indicated that
students are assessed in all
areas of suspected disability.
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The record review indicated
that the Team uses evaluation
data to guide development of
annual goals.
Partial
Not all IEP goals are
measurable, are not
always individualized
and do not always
include specially
designed instruction.
The district is to conduct training for
Special Education Team
Chairpersons, and Special Education
Teachers, on writing individualized
measurable goals and on specially
designed instruction. Provide to the
Department of Education, by May
31, 2007, evidence of training to
include attendance (name, title, role),
and the agenda.
Conduct a random review of IEPs to
check that this element is fully in
compliance. Report to the
Department steps taken by the
district if non-compliance is found
during the review and the person
responsible for ensuring that this
criterion is met, and results of a
follow-up review by May 31, 2007.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 2 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemen
-ted and
Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification

Documents,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews

of personally
identifiable
information
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
SE 26
Parent
Participation
in Meetings
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
SE 20
Least
Restrictive
Program
Selected
SE 23
Confidentiality
Partial
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented or Not
Effective
or New
Issues

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
Parents do not always
attend IEP Team
meetings, and not all
records contained
documentation
regarding the district’s
attempts to facilitate the
parents’ participation.
Conduct training with all staff
assigned as IEP chairpersons, and
those who on any occasion fulfill the
chairperson’s role, on the need to
document multiple attempts to
facilitate parent attendance/
participation at IEP Team meetings.
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
Documentation and record
review indicated that students
are placed in the least
restrictive environment.
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
The district protects the
confidentiality of any
personally identifiable
information that is collected,
used or maintained. Team
meetings are held in an area
that provides privacy.
The district consistently
provides parents with the
required written notice prior to
conducting a Team meeting.
The district coordinates a
meeting time with the parent
before issuing the Team
meeting notice, to ensure
parent participation.
Partial
Provide to the Department, by May
31, 2007, evidence of training to
include attendance (name, title, role)
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 3 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
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 or Not
Effective
or New
Issues

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
and the agenda.
After the training, conduct a review
of records from students whose
parents did not attend a Team
meeting to determine compliance
with this criterion, and report the
results to the Department by May 31,
2007. Include any steps taken by the
district to correct non-compliance if
found and the person responsible for
implementing corrective action
pertaining to this criteria.
SE 29
Communications are in
English and
primary
language of
the home
Partial
Documents,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
See comment to right.
Partial
Some communications
are in English and the
primary language of the
home; however, not all
elements of the IEP
including progress
reports are provided in
the language of the
home.
No later than May 31, 2007, the
district will submit revised
procedures that provide for
translation services that meet state
and federal requirements.
Specifically, the district must
describe how it will provide
translation services for all elements
of the IEP process and
documentation when the primary
language of the home is other than
English. Include a description of how
it will ensure that individuals who
provide verbal translations are fluent
in the primary language of the home
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 4 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
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 or Not
Effective
or New
Issues

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
and are familiar with special
education procedures, programs and
services. The district must describe
how verbal translations and other
modes of communication are
documented in the student records.
In addition, submit a sampling of
translated IEP’s including
notification letters and progress
reports.
SE 32
Parent
Advisory
Council for
Special
Education
SE 34
Continuum of
Alternative
Services and
Placements


Documents,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area. The
district has established a parent
advisory council that has bylaws, regularly meets and
serves in an advisory capacity
for the school committee.
The district and the PAC
conduct an annual workshop
on the rights of students and
parents under state and federal
special education laws.
Documents,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area. The
district provides a continuum
of services that meets the needs
of special education students.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 5 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
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 or Not
Effective
or New
Issues

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
Students receive support in
both academic and technical
courses.
SE 45
Procedures
for
Suspensions
up to 10 days
and after 10
days: General
Requirements
SE 49
Related
Services
SE 50
Responsibilities of the
School
Principal and
Administrator



Documents,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
The district provides services,
including related services, to
students who are suspended up
to and after 10 days.
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
Students are provided with
related services as required by
their IEPs.
Documents,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area. The
district has a Director of
Special Education and also has
a District Curriculum
Accommodation Plan (DCAP)
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 6 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
of Special
Education
Action
Implemen
-ted and
Effective

SE 53
Use of Paraprofessionals

Documents,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
Paraprofessionals are
appropriately trained and are
not required to design
instruction.

Documents,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
All required topics regarding
special education are annually
covered in the district’s
professional development plan.

Onsite
Observation,
Interviews
The DOE inspected all
facilities issues noted in the
2004 CPR, and all issues have
been since corrected.
SE 54
Professional
Development
Regarding
Special
Education
SE 55
Special
Education
Facilities and
Classrooms
Approved
Corrective
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

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
in place.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 7 of 33
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Student
Record
Review,
Document
Review,
Interviews
The district has a form to
document transition planning
for students at age 15 or older.
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
Not all student records
contained evidence of
transition planning for
students age 15 or older.
No later than May 31, 2007,
the district will submit
evidence of training staff on
the requirements for sections
#1-6 of this criterion to
ensure that the forms are
complete and filed in student
records. Include attendance
(name, title, role), and the
agenda.
Document the results of the
district’s periodic internal
monitoring for compliance
with this standard. Develop
a checklist with the items
listed in sections 1 – 6 of this
criterion.
Select a sample of student
records for recently
conducted team meetings
where transition services
were discussed and report
the rate of compliance. The
Special
Education
Criteria
created or
revised in
response to
IDEA-2004
SE 6
Determination
of Transition
Services
Partial
Partial
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 8 of 33
results should indicate the
date the review was
conducted, the number of
records reviewed and a
description of additional
steps taken where noncompliance was noted.
Identify the person(s)
responsible for conducting
the review and the person(s)
responsible for follow-up
activities. Report to the
Department by May 31, 2007.
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
Partial
Student
Record
Review,
Document
Review,
Interviews
Team meetings had the
required persons in attendance.
Partial
The Annual Review Team
Meeting Notice informs
parents that they are
limited to selecting no
more than two classroom
teachers, and that in doing
so, a current team member
would need to be
eliminated. Some
teachers leave a written
report if they cannot make
the meeting and not all
OT, PT and SLP staff
attend team meetings.
Some meetings are held
when parents do not show
up for the scheduled
meeting.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 9 of 33
Revise and submit, by May
31, 2007, a copy of the
Annual Meeting Notice. The
district must provide training
to staff regarding the
requirements in sections #113 of this criterion.
The district will develop a
protocol which provides
enough time to ensure that
all participants are able to
attend the Team meeting,
including alternate means, or
provides for the rescheduling
of the Team meeting if
needed. The district will
submit a copy of the protocol.
The district will monitor
attendance for annual review
Team meetings to ensure that
at least one teacher or
specialist trained in the area
of the student’s suspected
special needs, and one
regular education teacher
attends the Team meeting.
See also the Department’s
corrective action order for
SE 26 regarding parent
attendance/participation.
Evidence of training to
include attendance (name,
title, role) and the agenda.
Document the results of the
district’s periodic internal
monitoring for compliance
with this standard. Inform
teaching staff by way of a
memo and verbally at a staff
meeting, of the federal and
state regulations for Team
meeting attendance.
Provide the Department with
evidence of the memo and
staff meeting by May 31,
2007. Develop a checklist
with the items listed in
sections 1 – 13 of this
criterion.
Select a sample of student
records for recently
conducted team meetings and
report the rate of
compliance. The results
should indicate the date the
review was conducted, the
number of records reviewed
and a description of
additional steps taken where
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 10 of 33
non-compliance was noted.
Identify the person(s)
responsible for conducting
the review and the person(s)
responsible for follow-up
activities. Report to the
Department by May 31, 2007.
SE 12
Frequency of
re-evaluation
Partial
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district conducts a reevaluation whenever it is
suspected that a student is no
longer eligible for special
education.
Partial
The record review and
interviews indicated that
the district does not
always conduct a reevaluation every three
years consistent with the
requirements.
The district is to conduct
staff training on the
requirements of section 1 of
this criterion. Evidence of
training to include
attendance (name, title, role),
and the agenda should be
provided by May 31, 2007.
Develop a tracking system for
monitoring timelines,
including relevant
documentation, for reevaluations. Provide the
Department with a
description of the tracking
system. Conduct a review of
timelines and evaluations
completed to include
determining the factors for
any timeline and evaluation
completion violation; and
design interventions in
response to all noncompliance found, and
identify the person(s)
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 11 of 33
responsible for follow-up.
Report to the Department on
these activities by May 31,
2007.
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content
The record review and
documentation indicate that
progress reports are regularly
provided to parents.
Not all goals and
benchmarks were
addressed in progress
reports.
The district is to conduct
training for service providers
during the 2006-2007 school
year on the IDEA 2004
requirements of SE 13,
Progress Reports and
Content and for the provision
of translated progress
reports (See SE 29 and MOA
7). Submit evidence of
training to include
attendance (name, title, role),
and the agenda by May 31,
2007.
Document the results of the
district’s internal monitoring
for compliance with this
standard.
After the training, select a
sample of student records
from each grade level for
recently provided progress
reports including a sample of
those provided in languages
other than English. The
results should indicate the
date the review was
conducted, the number of
records reviewed and a
description of additional
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 12 of 33
steps taken where noncompliance is noted. Identify
the person(s) responsible
(title, role) for conducting the
review and the person(s)
responsible (title, role) for
follow-up activities. Report
to the Department by May
31, 2007.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 13 of 33
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
SE 33
Involvement in
the General
Curriculum
Criterion
Implemented




Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Interviews and
record review
IEPs are reviewed annually.
Documentation,
Student Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
The district convenes a
meeting with the parent and
relevant Team members
within 15 days of receiving
notice that the parent has
requested an official hearing
with BSEA.
Documentation,
Student Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
Staff understand the MA
Curriculum Frameworks and
the expectations of the state
for student performance as
well as understanding the
rights of students with
disabilities to be full
participants in the general
curriculum.
Criterion
Determined
to be
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 14 of 33
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
SE 39A
Procedures for
services to
eligible private
school students
whose parents
reside in the
district
Not
Applicable
(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
Not
Applicable
(SE 39B does not apply to
charter schools or vocational
schools)
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
days

Documentation,
Student Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area, and
adheres to its procedures for
students with disabilities
whose suspensions exceed 10
consecutive school days or a
pattern has developed for
suspensions exceeding 10
cumulative days.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 15 of 33
Criterion
Number/
Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
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,
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 district is in the
process of translating
general materials into
languages other than
English and developing a
procedure to provide for
translated information
and materials in low
incidence languages.
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Civil Rights
(MOA) and
Other
General
Education
Requirements
MOA 3
Access to a
Full Range of
Education
Programs
MOA 7
General
Information
and Materials
in Languages
Other than
English

Partial
Documents,
Student
Record
Review,
Interviews
The district has met its
obligation in this area.
All students with disabilities
have access to the full range of
academic and technical
programs.
Documents,
Interviews
See comments to the right.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 16 of 33
The district must provide
translated general materials
in the native language of
students and parents and
must provide a process for
ensuring that translated
information and materials
are provided to students and
parents of low incidence
languages.
Provide the Department by
May 31, 2007, copies of
general information and
materials that have been
translated and provide a
description of the district’s
process to ensure that
students and parents of low
incidence languages are
provided with translated
information. If appropriate,
include documentation to
support the implementation
of translation services in a
language(s) other than
English.
MOA 10A
Student
Handbooks
and Codes of
Conduct
MOA 11A
Designation
of
Liaison/Coor
dinator(s);
Grievance
Procedures
The district submitted a copy
the district’s student handbook
and program of study.
Partial
Partial
Document
Review
Document
Review
The district submitted a copy
of the district’s student
handbook.
Partial
Partial
Review of the program
of studies indicates that
the nondiscrimination
policy does not include
‘national origin’ or
‘sexual orientation’ as a
category. Review of the
student handbook
indicates that the
nondiscrimination policy
does not include
‘national origin’ as one
of the categories and the
discipline procedures do
not include procedures
for students on Section
504 Accommodation
Plans.
Review of the district’s
grievance policies and
procedures are very
specific with regards to
sexual harassment and
due process but do not
reference other protected
categories and due
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 17 of 33
No later than May 31, 2007,
submit a draft of the student
handbook that includes
disciplinary procedures for
students on Section 504
Accommodation Plans and
an updated
nondiscrimination policy and
a draft of the program of
studies that contains an
updated non-discrimination
policy.
No later than May 31, 2007,
submit a draft of the student
handbook that includes an
updated discrimination and
harassment policy that
includes all protected
categories and their due
process rights.
process.
Note: The district may use
the same due process and
investigation procedures
outlined in its sexual
harassment policy to
investigate allegations of
discrimination and
harassment. If so, then the
district must provide written
notice in the student
handbook that the same
grievance procedures will be
followed for allegations of
harassment and
discrimination.
MOA 16
Notice to
Students 16
or Over
Leaving
School
Without a
High School
Diploma
MOA 21
Staff training
regarding
civil rights
responsibility
Partial
Document
Review
The district submitted a copy
of the notice that is provided to
students 16 or over who leave
school without a diploma.
See comment to the right.
Partial
Document
Review
Partial
Partial
The letter does not
contain all of the
required elements,
specifically the
requirement to provide
written notice to the
student’s parents or
guardians.
No later than May 31, 2007,
the district must revise the
notice to students who plan
to leave school without a
diploma, when they are at
least 16 or older, to adhere to
the required elements of this
criterion.
The district provides
staff with civil rights
training; however,
contracted educational
and related service
providers are not aware
of their civil rights
responsibilities and are
not provided training.
The district is to develop a
policy to ensure that outside
educational and related
service providers receive at
least annual training on civil
rights responsibilities
including the prevention of
discrimination and
harassment on the basis of
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 18 of 33
students’ race, color, sex,
religion, national origin and
sexual orientation and the
appropriate methods for
responding to it in the school
setting. The district must
provide the above training to
the outside educational and
related service providers and
submit a copy of the training
agenda and attendance to the
Department by Mary 31,
2007.
Other
Regulated
Programs
Monitored
During this
Mid-cycle
Review
Criterion
Number/Topic
(Refer to full
text of 20062007 CPR
requirements)
CTE 4 /
CVTE 3
Methods of
measuring
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Partial
Method(s) of
Verification
Document
Review,
Interviews
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
Corrective
Action Not
Implemented,
Not Effective
Or
New Issues
Identified

The district has taken steps to
align career/vocational
technical programs with the
Vocational Technical
Education Frameworks.
Partial
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
Requirements
At the time of the
onsite, not all programs
have been completed.
The district did not
demonstrate that the
The district will submit
documentation of the
following:
1.The universal procedure
the district will implement
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 19 of 33
academic and
technical
competency
gain and
competency
attainment are
appropriate.
CTE 10/
CVTE 12
Strategies to
improve career
and technical
skills for all
students exist.
CTE 11 /
CVTE 16
Technology is
used to
improve
academic and
career and
technical
measurement of
to document students
students’vocational
competency attainment.
competency attainment 2.
2. Documentation from
are consistently
each shop evidencing the
documented for each
system to document
student.
competency attainment.
Further, while teachers
3. Documentation that
are required to provide
parents/guardians receive
completed competency
competency checklists.
checklist to the
This information will be
administration twice
submitted with the Progress
yearly, there was no
Report due May 31, 2007.
evidence that
competency checklists
are being sent home for
students or
parent/guardian review.
The district provided copies of
competency attainment
checklist generated from Skills
Manager (software), as well as
Curriculum Guides and blank
final exams for each program.
Partial

Document
Review,
Interviews
Document
Review,
Interviews
Some programs have been
aligned to state/national
industry certifications.
Partial
While progress has been
made in aligning
programs with relevant
industry certifications,
some programs are not
aligned with the current
Vocational Technical
Education Frameworks.
The district has made
considerable progress in
ensuring that technology is
used to improve both academic
and career/vocational technical
education for all students,
including the recent
requirement of ensuring all
students complete the career
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 20 of 33
Submit to the Department a
plan, including a timeline, to
align all programs with the
Vocational Technical
Education Frameworks.
This information will be
submitted with the Progress
Report due May 31, 2007
education.
safe online training, as well as
increased access to the Media
Center for technical teachers.
The career/vocational technical
programs are structured so that
students acquire technological
knowledge and skills, which
includes the use of the
district’s Media Center, as well
as a school-wide Portfolio
requirement as a graduation
component.
Additional Progress Reports on
this criterion are not required.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 21 of 33
CTE 20 /
CVTE 29 /
CVTE 31
Instructional
facilities meet
the demands of
the workforce
including
those for state
of the art
facilities, as
well as for a
healthy, safe
environment.
Partial
Document
Review,
Interviews
School administration is
currently pursuing a building
expansion project.
Partial
Despite the serious
overcrowding issues
faced in most of the
technical programs, this
school year the school
accepted the largest
incoming ninth grade
class in the school’s
history.
While the district
submitted a recently
completed (11/13/2006)
Statement of Interest
Form (draft form,
unsigned),
demonstrating the
school’s intent to apply
to the MA School
Building Authority, the
district’s building
expansion project has
been on hold since 2002.
Further, there was no
evidence or
documentation provided
identifying the members
of the Building
Expansion Committee or
that the committee
currently exists.
This past spring, the MA
Division of
Occupational Safety
completed a technical
assistance visit to the
district.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 22 of 33
The district will submit to
the Department
documentation identifying
members of the Building
Committee and a status
report regarding the
building expansion project.
This information will be
submitted with the Progress
Report due Mary 31, 2007
IMMEDIATELY:
The district will submit
documentation regarding the
status of each safety item.
This information is due
Immediately. These items
include the items listed
below, noted in the report as
having the greatest potential
for causing harm:
 The current air
ventilation rate does not
provide acceptable
exhaust ventilation in
Auto Body.
 In Carpentry, half of the
woodworking
equipment is not
connected to any dust
collection system. As a
result, there is a visible
haze of dust in the shop
when students are
actively working in the
shop – a potential to
create an explosive dust
environment.
Several
recommendations and
corrective actions were
outlined in the report.
The district submitted a
corrective action plan to
the MA Division of
Occupational Safety
addressing their
concerns, on July 12,
2006.
CTE 21 /
CVTE 36
The school has
developed and
implemented a
system of
program
evaluation that
includes, at a
minimum, the
four core
indicators and
program
outcomes.

Document
Review,
Interviews
Based on
documentation
provided by the
district, there was
no evidence that the
school has
developed and
implemented a
system to regularly
evaluate their
curricula, teaching,
and services.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 23 of 33


One student was
observed using
compressed air for selfcleaning.
Unacceptable levels of
carbon dioxide in
traditional classrooms.
Some of those classes
required immediate
action.
Submit notification of the
system implemented to
evaluate curricula, teaching,
and services. This
information will be
submitted with the Progress
Report due May 31, 2007
CVTE 4
Information
concerning
career/vocatio
nal technical
education
programs is
provided to
students and
their
parents/guardi
ans at least
once a year
before students
enter the
programs, and
in no case later
than the
beginning of
ninth grade…
New Issue
CVTE 6
Individuals are
appropriately
admitted to the
school and/or
to
career/vocatio
nal technical
education
programs/cour
ses within the
school.
New Issue
Document
Review,
Interviews
New Issue
Document
Review,
Interviews
New Issue
Documentation and
interviews revealed the
following:
1. The district is
currently using an
admission application
that is not in
compliance with the
Vocational Technical
Education Regulations
603 CMR 4.00
Guidelines.
2. While the Student
Handbook has been
translated into
Spanish, recruitment
information and
program outreach
materials are not made
available in languages
other than English.
Submit to the Department
the following:
1. A revised admission
application that is in
compliance with the
Vocational Technical
Education Regulation
Guidelines.
Due date: Immediate.
The district provides
information to applicants
regarding an Early
Admission Process.
However, such a process
is not included in the
district’s approved
Admission Policy on file
with the Department.
The school’s admission
application and policy is
currently available only
in English.
The district
inappropriately includes
The district will submit,
Immediately to the
Department, a revised
admission policy and
application for the district’s
postgraduate program.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 24 of 33
2. Copies of translated
recruitment materials.
This information will be
submitted with the Progress
Report due May 31, 2007
Submit, by May 31, 2007:
1. Copies of translated
High School
admission application
and policy.
2. Documentation that
the home language
survey is removed
the home language
survey as part of the
application package,
which may have the
effect of being
discriminatory.
The district does not
routinely provide test
accommodations, when
necessary, for applicants
taking the placement
tests.
from the application
package.
3. Documentation of the
process implemented
to consistently
provide test
accommodations, as
necessary, when
administering
placement tests.
The district currently
uses the same application
for ninth graders, as they
do for postgraduates.
The district does not
currently have a written,
published admission
policy and application
for the postgraduate
program.
CVTE 18
Cooperative
Education is
implemented
in accordance
with
applicable
laws,
regulations
and policies.
New Issue
Document
Review,
Interviews
The Cooperative Education
Program Coordinator monitors
and reviews worksites of the
students in the program.
New Issue
Documentation and
interviews revealed the
following:
1. The Cooperative
Education Program is not
supervised by a person
holding the required
Cooperative Education
Coordinator license.
2. A staff member from
the school does not
conduct an onsite safety
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 25 of 33
The district will submit to the
Department the following
documentation:
1. Notification that an
appropriately licensed person
is supervising the
Cooperative Education
Program. Include the name
and certification.
Due date: Immediate.
2. Documentation of the
revised procedure that an
review of the workplace
prior to the student’s
start date. The district
currently sends
employers a safety
checklist for them to
complete, relying on
employers to conduct the
safety review using the
provided checklist.
3. The district currently
uses the MA WorkBased Learning Plan to
evaluate the
employability skills and
uses the weekly time
cards to document
general skills to be
acquired for students
participating in
cooperative education.
However, there was no
evidence that the current
reporting system requires
employers to assess and
document the acquisition
of the safety & health,
academic, technical,
management &
entrepreneurship and
technological knowledge
and skills acquired for
each student during
cooperative education.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 26 of 33
onsite safety review of
Cooperative Education
worksites are conducted
prior to student’s placement.
Due date: Immediate.
3. Documentation of the
employer reporting system
that assesses students’ safety
& health, academic,
technical, management &
entrepreneurship and
technological knowledge and
skills acquired during
cooperative education.
This information may be
submitted with the Progress
Report due May 31, 2007.
4. Documentation that
students’ accommodations
are discussed and provided,
as necessary during
participation in the
cooperative education
program. This information
may be submitted with the
Progress Report due May 30,
2007.
4. Accommodations,
where necessary, are not
discussed for students
with disabilities
participating in the
district’s cooperative
education program.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 27 of 33
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review
English Learner Education (ELE) Requirements
Mid-Cycle Review Findings and Corrective Action Based on the Department’s Review Of Local Self-Assessments
(Please refer to full text of 2006-2007 CPR requirements for ELE and related implementation guidance at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/instrument/chapter71A.doc )
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 1
Annual
Assessment
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

Partial
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
The district does not annually assess the English proficiency of all
limited English proficient (LEP) students.
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Provide to the Department by May 31, 2007,
documentation that identified LEP students are
administered required annual assessments: the
Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment
(MEPA) in grades 3-12 and the Massachusetts
English Language Assessment – Oral (MELAO) in grades K-12.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 28 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

ELE 2
MCAS
Participation

ELE 3
Initial
Identification

ELE 4
Waiver
Procedures

Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 29 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

ELE 5
Program
Placement
and Structure
Not Implemented
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
The district does not provide LEP students with instruction based
upon the requirements of this criterion.
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Submit the following documentation by May 31,
2007:
 Explanation of how the district intends
to deliver an English Language Learner
program consistent with the
requirements of Chapter 71A.
 Description of the English language
support program in place for students
K-12 for the 2006-07and 2007-08 SY.
 List of ELL students for the 06-07 SY.
Indicate the grade level and the
classroom placement of each student, as
well as the type and amount of English
language support that the student needs.
Indicate when the student receives
instruction that is based on the English
Language Proficiency Benchmarks and
Outcomes. Include a copy of their most
recent annual language proficiency
assessments.
 Qualifications of the ESL/ELD
teacher(s), including copy of current
certification and/or waiver
 Names of teachers participating in
sheltered English instruction training
for the 06-07 SY.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 30 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

ELE 6
Program Exit
and
Not Implemented
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
The district’s program exit and readiness procedures do not follow the
requirements and the implementation guidance of this criterion. The
district submitted some information about program exit procedures.
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Provide the Department with written
procedures for re-designating a student from
LEP to FLEP, including the program exit
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 31 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Readiness
However, the district did not submit documentation regarding the
specific procedures (e.g., test scores) in place to re-designate a student
from LEP to FLEP status.
criteria and the multiple measures used to make
the determination. Submit the above
documentation by May 31, 2007.
ELE 7
Parent
Involvement
The district provides some translation services when requested;
however, the district has not developed a mechanism that provides
multiple opportunities and a variety of methods for including parents
or guardians of LEP students in matters pertaining to their children’s
education.
Describe the district’s implementation practices
in this area. Develop a mechanism for including
parents or guardians of LEP students in matters
pertaining to their children’s academic and
technical education and submit to the
Department by May 31, 2007.
Partial
Note: The district should provide multiple
opportunities and a variety of methods for
parent-teacher communication and document
the availability of such opportunities.
ELE 8
Declining
Entry to a
Program
ELE 9
Instructional
Not Implemented
Partial
The district does not provide LEP students with English language
support to students whose parent/guardians have declined the
student’s entry to a program based upon the requirements of this
criterion.
Develop an implementation plan for providing
supports to LEP students whose parents decline
entry into an ELE program that meets the
requirements of this criterion and submit to the
Department by May 31, 2007.
The district provided a one-page summary of its efforts with regard to
implementing ELE criteria; however, the district does not provide
Develop and provide the Department with the
following:
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 32 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

Grouping
ELE 10
Parental
Notification
ELE 11
Equal Access
to Academic
Programs
and Services
Partial
Partial
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting

students with ESL/ELD instruction at the appropriate proficiency
level and based on the English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and
Outcomes.
Process for placing LEP students in
instructional groupings; and
 Description of English language
development curriculum.
Provide the Department with evidence of the
above, and with evidence that these have been
shared with appropriate personnel in the
district by May 31, 2007.
The district has a parental notification letter (translated); however, the
letter does not contain how the program will meet the educational
strengths and needs of the student; how the program will specifically
help the child learn English; the specific exit requirements; and the
parents’ right to apply for a waiver, or to decline to enroll their child
in the program.
Review and revise the district’s parental
notification letter so that it contains the
required elements of this criterion and submit a
copy of the letter, including translations, to the
Department by May 31, 2007.
The district’s implementation practices indicate that all LEP students
have access to and are integrated into general education classrooms.
In addition, LEP students can access all curriculum offerings, such as
special education services and Section 504 Plans, provided they meet
eligibility requirements; however, the district’s implementation
practices do not provide LEP students with the opportunity to receive
support services in a language that the student understands and the
district’s DCAP does not address what support services are available
for LEP students.
The district should revise their implementation
practices to meet the requirements of this
criterion.
Submit a copy of the revised implementation
practices including the revised section(s) of the
district’s DCAP to the Department by May 31,
2007.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 33 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 12
Equal Access
to
Nonacademic
and
Extracurricular
Programs
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

Partial
ELE 13
Follow-up
Support
Partial
ELE 14
Licensure
Requirements
Partial
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
The district’s implementation practices indicate that all LEP students
have access to nonacademic and extracurricular programs; however,
the district’s implementation practices do not meet the requirements
of this criterion because LEP students are not provided with
translators or translated materials to ensure equal access to the
programs.
The district should revise their implementation
practices to meet the requirements of this
criterion.
The district provides support to LEP students; however, the district
does not actively monitor LEP students as required by this criterion.
Describe the district’s plan to provide follow-up
monitoring for students who have exited the
ELE program and submit to the Department by
May 31, 2007.
All teachers in the district hold either a teaching or vocational license
but have not all had training in sheltering content instruction. See ELE
15 for further details. The district does not have any staff that hold
current ESL teacher licenses or an approved ELL waiver for staff who
provide English language development instruction.
The district is advised that even if it has only
one identified ELE student requiring ESL
instruction, it must hire or contract with
appropriate personnel to provide English
language development instruction. Submit to
the Department, by May 31, 2007 evidence that
LEP students are receiving English language
development instruction from an appropriately
licensed teacher as required by this criterion.
Provide a copy of the students’ weekly
instructional schedules that indicate the receipt
of services along with the staff person’s name
and copy of license.
Submit a copy of the updated implementation
practices to the Department by May 31, 2007.
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
Page 34 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

ELE 15
Professional
Development
Requirements
Not Implemented
ELE 16
Equitable
Facilities

At the time of the review, the district met the requirements of this
criterion.
ELE 17
Program
Evaluation
Not Implemented
In addition, the district has not developed an ongoing evaluation
process to ensure the ELE program is effective.
Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
The district has not implemented a professional development plan that
provides teachers and administrators with high quality training as
prescribed by the Department to ensure the progress of LEP students
in developing oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing of
English.
The district must develop a professional
development plan that meets the requirements
of this criterion for teachers and administrators
that provides high quality training as
prescribed by the Department in:
1. Second language learning and teaching
2. Sheltering content instruction
3. Assessment of speaking and listening;
and
4. Teaching reading and writing to limited
English proficient students.
The district must provide training opportunities
for teachers of LEP students in developing oral
comprehension, speaking, reading and writing
of English.
Submit a copy of the professional development
plan to the Department by May 31, 2007 with
copies of agendas, attendance sheets (name,
title, role) and materials provided at the
trainings of teachers and administrators.
The district must develop a proposal for
evaluating the effectiveness of its ELE program
and submit it to the Department by May 31,
2007.
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January 23, 2007
Page 35 of 33
ELE
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
ELE 18
Records of
LEP
Students-
Criterion
Determined to be
Implemented
Based on Review
of Local ELE
Self-Assessment

Findings of Noncompliance Based on Department’s
Review of Local ELE Self-Assessment
(Criterion Determined to be Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented)
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
(To be reviewed during next CPR visit.)
Not Rated
Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Coordinated Program Review Mid-cycle Report
January 23, 2007
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