Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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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
April 9, 2008
Anthony L. Sarno, Superintendent
Stoughton Public School District
232 Pearl Street
Stoughton, MA 02072-2638
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Sarno:
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 October 11, 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 April 28, 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 781-338-3761.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
1 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 1
Sincerely,
Lynn A. Summerill, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
c:
Jeffrey Nellhaus, Acting Commissioner of Education
Tom Colburn, School Committee Chairperson
Bob Louzan, District Program Review Follow-up Coordinator
Encl.:
Mid-cycle Report
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
2 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 2
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Stoughton Public School District
Date of Coordinated Program Review (CPR) Final Report: October 11, 2005
Date Coordinated Program Review Corrective Action Approved or Ordered: February 7, 2006
Dates of Corrective Action Plan Progress Reports: November 20, 2006, February 7, 2006, January 16, 2007, March 22, 2007
Dates of this Mid-cycle Review Onsite Visit: October 9-11 2007
Date of this Report: April 9, 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
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective
Method(s) of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective

SE 1
Assessments
Partial
Review of
documents,
student
records and
interviews
Special education assessments are
made available in a student’s
native language when required.
The district has a list of bilingual
evaluators that can be contacted
when needed. In addition, the
district has a bilingual
psychologist who conducts
evaluations in Spanish.
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

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
The district does not
identify on N1 forms or
evaluation consent forms
areas of suspected
disability to be assessed.
All assessments routinely
include psychoeducational and
achievement assessments.
The district will conduct
training for special education
teachers and Team
chairpersons at all levels on
identifying and documenting
areas of suspected disability to
be assessed on the N1 and ECF
forms. The district will also
develop tracking and
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
1 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 1
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
As a result, assessments
are not tailored to assess
specific areas of
educational and
developmental needs.
monitoring procedures for
ensuring that assessments are
conducted in all areas related
to the suspected disability, as
well as ensuring that forms are
completed appropriately.
Submit the training agenda,
procedures for tracking and
monitoring and identify the
person(s) responsible for
oversight to the Department by
June 11, 2008.
Submit to the Department the
results of an internal review of
records to determine
compliance with this matter.
Submit the following
information:
 Number of records
reviewed;
 Number of records that
include assessments in
the area(s) of
suspected disability;
 Number of records in
which required
information is included
on the evaluation
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
2 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 2
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
consent forms and N1
forms;
 Narrative description
of additional corrective
actions taken if
required.
Submit this report to the
Department by October 6,
2008.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
3 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 3
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

SE 2
Required and
Optional
Assessments
SE 4
Partial
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
The district consistently
completes Educational
Assessments that include a history
of the student’s educational
progress.
Review of
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

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
At the high school level
records do not include
documentation indicating
that written classroom
observations and
counseling updates have
been conducted upon
receipt of a signed
evaluation consent form
from the parent.
Develop procedures for
tracking and monitoring
records at the high school to
ensure that all assessments
consented to by the parent are
completed. Identify the
person(s) responsible for
oversight. Submit these
procedures to the Department
by June 11, 2008.
See also SE 1.
The district will conduct an
internal review of this criterion
at the high school level. Report
on the number of files
reviewed, the number that
contained accepted consent
forms for classroom
observations and counseling
updates, the number of files
that contained classroom
observations and counseling
update reports and any
corrective action taken if noncompliance is found. Submit
this information to the
Department by October 6,
2008.
The district will conduct
Assessment reports do not
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
4 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 4
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

Reports of
Assessment
Results
student
records
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
consistently define in
detail and in educationally
relevant and common
terms the student’s needs,
offering explicit means of
meeting them. Reports
often state that
recommendations will be
discussed at the Team
meeting.
training for special education
teachers, psychologists, related
service providers and staff who
conduct evaluations at all
levels on the requirements of
this criterion. The district will
also develop procedures for
tracking and monitoring
assessment reports to ensure
that they include all required
information. Identify the
person(s) responsible for
oversight. Submit training
agendas and the procedures for
tracking and monitoring
assessment reports to the
Department by June 11, 2008.
This is an area of
continued
noncompliance.
The district will conduct an
internal review and select
evaluation reports from all
levels. Report on the number of
evaluation reports reviewed at
each level, the number of
evaluation reports that
consistently define in detail
and in educationally relevant
and common terms the
student’s needs, offering
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
5 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 5
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
explicit means of meeting
them, and report any corrective
action taken by the district if
non-compliance is found by
October 6, 2008.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
6 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 6
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

SE 7
Transfer of
Rights
SE 9
Timelines for
determination
of eligibility

Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
Written evaluation reports
do not consistently
contain specific dates that
evaluations were
conducted. As a result, the
Department cannot
ascertain if the district is
conducting evaluations
within appropriate time
frames.
The district will develop
tracking and monitoring
procedures for ensuring that
evaluation reports include
specific dates the evaluation
was conducted and to ensure
that the district is meeting the
required timelines for
eligibility determination.
Identify the person(s)
responsible for oversight.
Submit these procedures to the
Department by June 11, 2008.
The district has implemented a
change in procedure that is not yet
evident in student records. The
district has a process in place that
ensures that parents and students
are notified of the transfer of
student rights. In addition, the
district has added “Age of
Majority/Transfer of Rights”
documents to the Compliance
Checklist Template that all Team
chairpersons must complete
following a Team meeting. Team
chairpersons were advised of this
change in procedure.

Review of
student
records and
interviews
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
7 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 7
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
The district will conduct an
internal review of this
criterion. Report to the
Department on the number of
evaluation reports reviewed,
the number of evaluation
reports that contained specific
dates the evaluations were
conducted, and the number of
evaluations that were
conducted within required
timelines. Submit these
findings and any corrective
actions taken if noncompliance is found by
October 6, 2008.
SE 11
School district
response to
parental
request for
independent
evaluation
SE 18A
IEP
development
and content

Review of
student
records and
interviews
The district has specific
procedures in place to ensure that
independent evaluations are
processed upon parental request.
Review of
student
records,
documents,
and
interviews

IEPs do not address all
elements in the current
IEP format. The district
does not identify the
needed specialized
instruction in IEPs.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
8 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 8
The district will conduct
trainings for all special
education teachers and Team
chairpersons at all levels on
how to document the
specialized instruction required
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
Implement
ed 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
At the high school level,
IEPs do not identify age
specific considerations on
the Present Levels of
Educational PerformanceOther Educational Needs
(PLEP B) section.
This is an area of
continued
noncompliance.
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
for students on IEPs. In
addition, the district will
conduct training at the high
school level on the proper
documentation of age specific
considerations. Develop
procedures for tracking and
monitoring IEPs to ensure that
all elements are appropriately
addressed. Identify the
person(s) responsible for the
oversight. Submit the training
agenda, and procedures for
tracking and monitoring by
June 11, 2008.
The district will conduct an
internal review to ensure that
IEPs are complete and
addresses all elements. Select
a random number of files from
each level. Report on the
number of files reviewed at
each level, the number of files
that identified the type of
specialized instruction, and
where required, age specific
considerations. Report these
findings to the Department and
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
9 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 9
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
any corrective action taken by
the district by October 6,
2008.
SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
provision of
IEP to parent
SE 19
Extended
evaluation
SE 20
Least
Restrictive
program
selected


Partial
Review of
student
records
The district is developing IEPs
and determining placement in the
least restrictive environment
within required timeframes.
Review of
student
records and
interviews
District staff are aware of the
appropriate procedures for
conducting extended evaluations.
Extended evaluations are
conducted within required
timeframes.
Non-participation statements are
comprehensive at the elementary
and middle school levels.
Review of
student
records
Partial
IEP non-participation
justification statements at
the high school do not
indicate why the removal
of the student from the
general education
classroom is critical, as
well as focus on the
student and the disability.
This is an area of
continued
noncompliance.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
10 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 10
Review with Team
Chairperson(s) and other
appropriate staff the required
elements. Develop procedures
for monitoring IEPs at the high
school to ensure that they
include appropriately written
non-participation justification
statements. Submit these
procedures to the Department
by June 11, 2008.
The district will conduct an
internal review at the high
school level to ensure that non-
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

SE 24
Notice to
parent
Partial
Review of
student
records
SE 25
Parental
consent

Review of
student
records
Within five days of a parent’s
request for an evaluation, the
district provides written notice of
the proposal or refusal to act.
Evaluations are initiated upon
receipt of parental consent.
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

Partial
Basis of Determination
that Implementation of
Corrective Action was
Incomplete or
Ineffective or
Basis of Finding of New
Noncompliance
See SE 1 regarding the
content of the N1 notice.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
11 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 11
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
participation justification
statements are included in IEPs
and indicate why the removal
of the student from the general
education classroom is critical,
as well as focus on the student
and the disability. Report to the
Department the number of
IEPs reviewed, the number of
IEPs that contained
comprehensive nonparticipation justification
statements and any corrective
action taken by the district if
required. Submit this
information to the Department
by October 6, 2008.
See SE 1.
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

SE 29
Communications
are in English
and primary
language of the
home
SE 32
Parent
advisory
council for
special
education
SE 34
Continuum of
alternative
services and
placements



Review of
student
records and
interviews
Review of
student
records
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed 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 provides multiple
opportunities for parents to
request translated documents.
Staff are familiar with the
procedures to procure translated
documents. The district translates
assessment reports, IEPs and
notices when needed. The district
has translated handbooks, report
cards and template letters for
school events and lunch
information for all schools in
three high frequency languages
with plans to translate these
documents into other languages.
The district has an active and
functioning parent advisory
council (PAC). The PAC
currently acts in an advisory
capacity to the district.
The district provides a continuum
of alternative services and
placements. In the 2006-2007
school year the district expanded
its vocational opportunities and
piloted an alternative vocational
program for students at the high
school. This program has been
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
12 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 12
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
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

SE 35
Assistive
technology;
specialized
materials and
equipment
Partial
Review of
student
records,
documents,
and
interviews
successful and will be
implemented in future years.
The district has purchased new
assistive technology, expanding
its resources.
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed or Not
Effective
or
New Issues
Identified

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
While interviews indicate
that the district’s IEP
Teams routinely consider
the need for assistive
technology and informally
conduct assistive
technology evaluations,
the district does not
document these activities
or write assistive
technology evaluation
reports.
Submit district-wide
procedures that guide staff on
the following:
 How to assess students’
assistive technology
needs;
 How to document that
assistive technology
discussions have
occurred during the
development of the IEP;
 How to conduct assistive
technology evaluations
and write reports.
This is an area of
continued noncompliance.
The district will conduct
trainings at all levels on the
above procedures. Submit a
copy of these procedures, a
copy of the training agendas,
and signed attendance sheet to
the Department by June 11,
2008.
The district will conduct an
internal review of this
criterion. Report on the number
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
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April 9, 2008
Page 13
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
Implement
ed 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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
files reviewed, the number that
contain assistive technology
evaluations and/or
documentation indicating that
assistive technology
discussions have occurred
during the development of the
IEP and any corrective action
taken, if required, by October
6, 2008.
SE 43
Behavioral
Interventions
SE 45
Procedures for
suspension up
to 10 days and
after 10 days
SE 47
Procedural
requirements
applied to
students not
yet determined



Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Teams routinely consider and
document behavioral interventions
in IEPs.
The district has current IDEA
2004 procedures in place for the
discipline of students with special
needs. These procedures meet
regulatory requirements and are
implemented appropriately.
The district has developed
procedures consistent with federal
requirements regarding students
not yet determined eligible for
special education.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
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April 9, 2008
Page 14
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

to be eligible
for special
education
SE 50
Administrator
of Special
Education
SE 53
Use of paraprofessionals
SE 54
Professional
development
regarding
special
education
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed 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
See SE 45 above.



Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
The administrator of special
education is appropriately
licensed.
See CR 18 below.
Professional development is
provided to paraprofessional staff
during district in-service days.
Training topics are appropriate
and paraprofessional staff are
appropriately trained to assist in
providing special education or
related services.
The district provides extensive
training to all levels on the
identification of special education
students, as well as developing
and implementing classroom
modifications and
accommodations for diverse
learners. Results of the district’s
training in behavioral, social and
emotional domains are evident as
IEPs contained emotional
supports and behavior plans.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
15 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 15
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
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

SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms

Classroom
observations
and
interviews
Corrective
Action Not
Implement
ed 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 Dawe Jr Elementary School
has five special education
classrooms that are positioned in
two hallways among general
education classrooms on the first
floor. This configuration is
determined to be in the best
interest of the children rather than
being disseminated throughout the
first floor as it allows for:
Handicapped bathroom access for
students with ongoing toileting
needs.
Teachers are restraint trained and
function as a crises team.
Paraprofessionals and teachers
provide support and class
coverage for each other when the
need arises.
Instructional levels of the students
are similar and this configuration
allows teachers to share
instructional materials and
assistive technology devices.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
16 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 16
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation,
and Progress Reporting
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 3
Special
requirements
for
determination
of specific
learning
disability
SE 6 ##1 - 3
Determination
of Transition
Services
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and attendance
Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented

Review of
student
records,
interviews
and
documents
The district is utilizing all
required specific learning
disability (SLD) forms. All
Team members sign that they
are in agreement or indicate if
they are in disagreement with
the Team’s determination of
SLD.

Review of
student
records and
interviews
The district consistently
completes required transition
planning forms for students 15
and older.
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
The district is now documenting
who is chairing Team meetings
on meeting invitation sheets.
Partial
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Partial
Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
The district does not
document parents’
agreements to excuse
Team members from
attendance at Team
meetings. In addition,
absent Team members do
not routinely submit
written input related to the
IEP development.
The district will conduct
trainings for staff on the
requirements for providing
written input prior to Team
meetings when their presence
has been excused, as well as
ensuring that general education
teachers attend Team meetings
(absent an excusal in
accordance with the
regulations). The district will
develop procedures for
tracking and monitoring this
requirement. Identify the
person(s) responsible for
The district does not
consistently ensure that
general education teachers
participate in annual
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
17 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 17
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
Team meetings.
oversight. Submit the training
agenda and procedures for
tracking and monitoring by
June 11, 2008.
The district will conduct an
internal review of these
requirements. For each level,
report on the number of Team
meetings in which Team
members were absent, the
number of meetings that
showed documentation of
parent excusal, and the number
of Team meetings in which
written input was provided to
the Team. Also provide
information on the number of
Team meetings in which
general education teachers
were not present (absent the
above excusal requirements).
Identify any corrective action
taken if non-compliance was
found. Submit the results of the
internal review to the
Department by October 6,
2008.
SE 12
Frequency of
re-evaluation

Review of
student
records and
interviews
The district is conducting reevaluations every three years
and when the district suspects
that the student may no longer
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
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April 9, 2008
Page 18
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
SE 13
Progress
reports and
content
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
SE 25B
Resolution of
disputes
SE 33
Involvement in
the General
Curriculum
SE 39A
Procedures for
services to
eligible private
school students
Criterion
Implemented






Method(s)
of
Verification
Review of
student
records and
interviews
Review of
student
records and
interviews
Review of
student
records
Review of
student
records and
interviews
Review of
documents
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
require services.
Progress reports are routinely
completed and sent with the
same frequency as parents are
informed of the progress of nondisabled students. Summaries
of student academic
achievement and functional
performance are provided to
graduating students or students
who have exceeded the age of
eligibility.
Annual reviews are conducted
on or before the expiration date
of the IEP. Amendments are
appropriately written and
documented.
The district consistently notifies
BSEA within five days after
receiving notice that parents
have requested a hearing and
initiates resolution sessions.
District staff understand the
rights of students with
disabilities to fully participate in
the general curriculum.
The district submitted
documentation of its calculated
proportionate share of federal
entitlement funds and
demonstrated that it provides
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
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April 9, 2008
Page 19
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Criterion
Number
and
Topic
Criterion
Implemented

Method(s)
of
Verification
(SE 39B does
not apply to
charter schools
or vocational
schools)
SE 46
Procedures for
suspension of
students with
disabilities
more than 10
days
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
or Not
Implemented

Basis of Determination
that Criterion was
Partially Implemented
or Not Implemented
services to eligible private
school students, for students
whose parents reside in the
district and out of state.
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
Basis of Determination that
Criterion was Implemented


Review of
documents
See SE 39A above.
Review of
student
records,
interviews,
and
documents
The district has clearly defined
procedures for conducting
manifestation determinations
and placing students in interim
alternative educational settings.
These procedures are
implemented consistently. In
addition, the district conducts
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
20 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 20
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
functional behavioral
assessments and provides
behavioral interventions and
services when needed.
SE 52
Appropriate
certifications/
licenses or
other
credentials –
related service
providers
(to be reviewed
only with
respect to
providers of
interpreting
services)

Review of
documents
All related service providers are
appropriately licensed. While
the district does not currently
employ a teacher of the deaf and
hard of hearing, the district is
aware that transliterators must
be registered with the MA
Commission for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing.
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
CR 10A
Handbooks
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective


Method(s)
of
Verification
Review of
documents
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’s 2007-2008
handbooks contain procedures
for the discipline of students
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
21 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 21
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
Criterion
Number/Topic
CR 12
Annual
and continuous
notification
concerning
nondiscrimination/
coordinators
CR 18
Responsibilities
of the school
principal
CR 25
Institutional
self-evaluation
TI 23
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective




Method(s)
of
Verification
Review of
documents
Review of
student
records,
documents
and
interviews
Review of
documents
and
interviews
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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
While the district
Submit a revised Title I Parent
with special needs and Section
504 Accommodation Plans.
The district’s 2007-2008
handbooks contain the required
notice of non-discrimination and
civil rights coordinators.
The district has developed
district-wide building based
support teams as part of their
DCAP to address the diverse
needs of the student population.
This process is consistently
implemented and effective
across all levels. The
administrator of special
education coordinates the
delivery and supervision of
special education services with
principals in all buildings.
The district conducts annual
evaluations of its K-12
programs to ensure that all
students have equal access to all
programs, athletics and other
extracurricular activities.
Review of
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
22 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 22
Criterion
Number/Topic
Parental and
community
involvement
policy
TI 29A
Student
support
services
Approved
Corrective
Action
Implemented
and Effective

Method(s)
of
Verification
Basis of Determination that
Corrective Action was
Implemented and has been
Effective
progress
reports and
interviews
Review of
progress
reports and
interviews
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
Required Corrective Action,
Timelines for
Implementation, and
Progress Reporting
Requirements
submitted it’s Title 1
Parent Involvement
Policy, the policy does
not indicate then parents
and staff at all Title I
schools will review the
document and the changes
made to the policy.
Involvement Policy that
contains all required
components by June 11, 2008.
While the district
submitted a form letter to
be forwarded to private
schools, it does not meet
the standard for this
criterion.
Stoughton Public School District Coordinated
23 Program Review Mid-cycle Report
April 9, 2008
Page 23
Refer to the Departmental
Guidance on Parent
Involvement located at
http:www.doe.mass.edu/title/p
arents.htm/ for assistance.
Submit a form letter for private
schools that meets all
requirements for the standard
for TI 29A to the Department
by June 11, 2008.
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