Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4096
Telephone: (781) 338-3700
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
July 10, 2012
Lynne Celli, Superintendent
Swampscott Public Schools
207 Forest Avenue
Swampscott, MA 01907-2293
Re: Mid-cycle Report
Dear Superintendent Celli:
Enclosed is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Mid-cycle Report based on the onsite
visit conducted in your district in April of 2012. During the Mid-Cycle Review the Department monitored
selected special education criteria to determine your district’s compliance with special education laws and
regulations. The review consisted of information gathered from one or more of the following activities:
interviews, review of student records, examination of documentation, and classroom observation(s).
The Department determined that one or more of the criteria monitored in your district was “Partially
Implemented” or “Not Implemented.” In all instances where noncompliance was found, the Department has
prescribed corrective action for the district. This corrective action must be implemented as soon as possible, but
in no case later than a year from the date of this report. You will find these requirements for corrective action
included in the enclosed report, along with requirements for submitting progress reports using the enclosed
form.
Please provide the Department with your written assurance that all of the required corrective action will be
implemented by your district within the timelines specified in the report. You must submit your statement of
assurance to Darlene Lynch, Director, Program Quality Assurance Services, by July 26, 2012.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 1 of 18
Your staff's cooperation throughout this Mid-cycle Review is appreciated. If you have questions about this
letter or the enclosed report, please do not hesitate to contact Randall Palmer at 781-338-3734.
Sincerely,
Randall Palmer, Mid-cycle Review Chairperson
Program Quality Assurance Services
Darlene A. Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
cc:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
Dean Paolillo, Supervisor, Program Quality Assurance Services
Laurier Beaupre, School Committee Chair Chairperson
Mona Blumstein, Local Program Review Coordinator
Encs: Mid-cycle Report
Mid-cycle Progress Report Form
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 2 of 18
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REPORT
Swampscott Public Schools
Dates of the Mid-cycle Review Onsite: April 26 & 27, 2012
Date of this Report: July 10, 2012
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS IN TWO SECTIONS.
Required Special Education Criteria Monitored in this Mid-cycle Review
Current special education criteria available by scrolling down to the special education instrument at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

SE 7
Transfer of
parental
rights and
student
participation
and consent
at age of
majority

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Staff
Interviews
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
At the beginning of each school
year, the district provides
notification to all students
turning 17 and their
parents/guardians of the rights
that will transfer from the
parent/guardian to the student
upon the student’s 18th birthday.
The notification provided to
both the student and the
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 1 of 18
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
parent/guardian state that all
rights accorded to parents under
special education law will
transfer to the 18 year old.
The school district implements
procedures to obtain consent
from the student to continue the
student’s special education
program upon the student
reaching the age of majority.
SE 8
IEP Team
composition
and
attendance

Staff
Interviews
SE 18A
IEP
development
and content
Student
Record
Review

Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Staff
Student records and interviews
indicated that the district
consistently has at least one
regular education teacher
present at IEP Team meetings.
The student record review
indicated that IEP Teams
address the skills and
proficiencies needed to avoid
and respond to bullying,
harassment and teasing when the
student’s disability (including
students on the autism spectrum)
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 2 of 18
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Interviews
Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
SE 25
Parental
consent

Basis of Determination about
Criterion
makes the student vulnerable to
bullying, harassment, and
teasing. IEP Teams consistently
document the student’s needs in
the IEP.
A review of student records
indicated that the school district
obtains written parental consent
before conducting an initial
evaluation and before making an
initial placement of a student in
a special education program.
Written parental consent is
obtained before conducting a
reevaluation and before placing
a student in a special education
placement subsequent to the
initial placement in special
education.
When the participation or
consent of the parent is required
and the parent fails or refuses to
participate, the attempts to
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 3 of 18
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
secure the consent of the parent
are implemented through
multiple attempts using a variety
of methods which are
documented by the district.
If a parent revokes his/her
consent to the student’s special
education services in writing,
the district discontinues all
special education services and
does not use mediation or
request a due process hearing to
obtain an agreement or a ruling
requiring the continuation of
services, consistent with federal
regulation. The district acts
promptly to provide written
notice to the parent/guardian of
the district’s proposal to
discontinue services based on
the revocation of consent, as
well as information on how the
parent can obtain a copy of
his/her right to procedural
safeguards. The district provides
the notice a reasonable time in
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 4 of 18
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination about
Criterion
advance before the district
intends to discontinue services.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 5 of 18
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective
Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due
Date(s) and
Required
Elements
Additional Special Education Criteria Monitored in this Mid-cycle Review
Current special education criteria available by scrolling down to the special education instrument at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/default.html
Criterion
SE 2
Required and
optional
assessments
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Student
Record
Review
The Department’s
review of student
records and staff
interviews verified that
the district completes
all of the assessments
consented to by
parents.
Document
Review
Staff
Interviews
SE 4
Reports of
assessment
results

Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Staff members
conducting assessments
summarize in writing
the procedures
employed, the results,
and the diagnostic
impression, and define
in detail and in
educationally relevant
and common terms, the
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 6 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
student’s needs,
offering explicit means
of meeting those needs.
SE 6
Determination
of transition
services

Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
The IEP Team
discusses the student’s
transition needs
annually, beginning no
later than when the
student is 14 years old,
and documents its
discussion on the
Transition Planning
Form.
The IEP Team reviews
the Transition Planning
Form annually and
updates information
on the form and the
IEP, as appropriate.
SE 13
Progress
Reports and
content

Student
Record
Review
A review of student
records indicated that
progress report
information sent to
parents includes written
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 7 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 14
Review and
revision of
IEPs
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Staff
Interviews
information on the
student’s progress
toward the annual goals
in the IEP.
Student
Record
Review
The student record
review determined that
at least annually, on or
before the anniversary
date of the IEP, the IEP
Team meets to consider
the student’s progress
and to review, revise,
or develop a new IEP
or refer the student for
a re-evaluation, as
appropriate.
Staff
Interviews
SE 15
Outreach by
the School
District

Document
Review
Staff
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
The district conducts
outreach activities
beyond the pre-school
and kindergarten
screenings to include
nursery schools,
pediatricians, private
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 8 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
schools, local
newspaper notices, and
emails to
parents/agencies.
SE 18B
Determination
of placement;
provision of
IEP to parent

Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
At the IEP Team
meeting, after the IEP
has been fully
developed, the IEP
Team determines the
appropriate placement
to deliver the services
on the student’s IEP.
At the conclusion of
IEP Team meetings,
the district provides the
parent with a meeting
summary, including
the major goals and
services of the IEP.
The district provides
the parent two (2)
copies of the proposed
IEP, the proposed
placement along with
the required notice
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 9 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
consistent with the
regulatory timelines.
SE 20
Least
restrictive
program
selected

Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
SE 24
Notice to
parent
regarding
proposal or
refusal to
initiate or
change the
identification,
evaluation, or
educational
placement of
the student or
the provision
of FAPE

Student
Record
Review
Staff
Interviews
The district provides
specific and
individualized nonparticipation
justification statements
when a student is
removed from the
general education
classroom.
The district consistently
addresses all questions
on the Notice of
Proposed School
District Action (N1)
form sent with all
proposed IEPs.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 10 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

SE 32
Parent
advisory
council for
special
education
SE 37
Procedures
for approved
and
unapproved
out-of-district
placement
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
PI
Method(s) of
Investigation
Document
Review
Staff
Interviews

Student
Record
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
The district has an
active Special
Education Advisory
Council (PAC) that
meets on a regular
basis. The district also
commissioned (October
2011) an independent
program evaluation of
its special education
programs and services.
The district solicits
parent feedback at the
conclusion of each IEP
Team meeting.
However, the PAC has
not participated in the
planning, development,
and evaluation of the
school district’s special
education programs.
Please submit a plan that describes
the steps the district will take to
ensure the PAC is involved in the
planning and evaluation of special
education programming.
The school district
monitors the provision
of services and the
programs of individual
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 11 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Please provide
supporting
documentation
that illustrates the
PAC’s
involvement in the
planning and
evaluation of
SPED
programming
(such as agendas,
meeting notes and
the signed
attendance with
the name and role
of staff).
Please submit this
progress report by
December 15,
2012.
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Document
Review
students placed in
public and private outof-district programs.
Staff
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Documentation of
monitoring plans and
monitoring activities
conducted by the
Director of Student
Services, are placed in
the files of every
eligible student who
has been placed out-ofdistrict. Site visits are
documented and kept in
the student records.
The school district
enters into written
contracts with all
public and private outof-district placements.
The contracts meet the
content requirements of
state regulation.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 12 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 39A
Procedures
used to
provide
services to
eligible
students
enrolled in
private
schools at
private
expense
whose parents
reside in the
district
SE 42
Programs for
young
children three
and four years
of age
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Staff
Interviews
Document
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
The district calculates
the proportionate share
of Federal Special
Education Entitlement
funds required to be
spent on eligible
private school students
(including all eligible
students attending
private school in the
district whether their
parents reside in the
district, in another
Massachusetts district,
or out of state) and
documents the
spending of at least this
amount of federal
entitlement funds on
eligible private school
students.
The district has
submitted waiver
requests to the
Department due to a
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 13 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Staff
Interviews
continuing high number
of new enrollments
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Copies of the waiver
requests were provided
during the onsite
review as
documentation of the
district’s actions.
SE 43
Behavioral
interventions
Student
Record
Review

Staff
Interviews
The student record
review verified that for
a student whose
behavior impedes their
learning or the learning
of others, the IEP Team
consider the student’s
behavior including
positive behavioral
interventions and the
possible need for a
functional behavioral
assessment.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 14 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
SE 46
Procedures
for suspension
of students
with
disabilities
when
suspensions
exceed 10
consecutive
days of a
pattern has
developed for
suspensions
exceeding 10
cumulative
days;
responsibilitie
s of team;
responsibilitie
s of the
district
SE 47
Procedural
requirement
applied to
students not
yet
Criterion
Implemented


Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Student
Record
Review
Document
Review
Staff
Interviews

Student
Record
Review
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
Staff interviews
indicated that the
district is convening
Team meetings prior to
student suspensions
reaching 10 days, in
order to make a
“manifestation
determination”. When
appropriate, the IEP
Team also conducts a
functional behavior
assessment and
develops a behavior
intervention plan and/or
proposes service
modifications.
The district’s student
handbook now contains
a disciplinary
procedure for students
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 15 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

determined to
be eligible for
special
education
SE 51
Appropriate
special
education
teacher
certification/li
censure
SE 52
Appropriate
certification/li
censes or
other
credentialsrelated service
providers
Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
Document
Review
who have not yet been
determined eligible for
special education
services.
Staff
Interviews

Document
Review
Staff
Interviews

Document
Review
Staff
Interviews
Document
Review
SE 54
Professional
development

Staff
Interviews
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
All special education
teachers that provide
supervision to
paraprofessionals are
appropriately licensed.
All the district’s related
service providers have
appropriate, current
licensure.
Training related to
special education
compliance and
Individualized
Education Plans is
provided annually to all
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 16 of 18
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
staff by the Director of
Student Services.
SE 55
Special
education
facilities and
classrooms
PI
Observations
Staff
Interviews
The physical therapy
space in the Stanley
School is located in a
basement hallway. The
location is dedicated to
physical therapy
services; large enough
to accommodate the
number of students
serviced, and is in
proximity of other
classrooms. However,
there is no ventilation,
and while students are
receiving PT services
they are subject to
audio/visual
distractions and
compromised privacy
due to the transparent
glass doors and walls.
Identify an alternative physical
therapy space at the Stanley
School.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 17 of 18
Provide a
description and a
building map that
shows where the
location for
providing physical
therapy services
has been moved at
Stanley School,
addressing the
required corrective
action, by
September 28,
2012.
The district will
provide
confirmation
regarding a
scheduled onsite
visit by the DESE
to review the
physical therapy
relocation at the
Stanley School.
Please provide this
Criterion
Criterion
Implemented

Criterion
Partially
Implemented
(PI) or Not
Implemented
(NI)
Method(s) of
Investigation
Basis of Determination
about Criterion
If Partially Implemented or Not
Implemented:
(a) Required Corrective Action and
Timelines for Implementation
(b) Progress
Report Due Date(s)
and Required
Elements
to the Department
on or before
December 15,
2012.
Swampscott Public Schools Mid-cycle Report
July 10, 2012
Page 18 of 18
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
MID-CYCLE REVIEW
School District: Swampscott Public Schools
M I D – CY C L E P R O G R E S S R E P O R T
Date Prepared: ____________________________________
Prepared by: __________________________________________________________________
(name and title)
Criterion: _______________________
Topic: ________________________________________________________________________
For each criterion for which you prepare a progress report, please



make a copy of this cover page,
fill in the information requested above, and
attach a complete description of the corrective action taken and any accompanying documentation.
(Description of corrective action for each criterion and any accompanying documentation should include all of the
“Progress Report Required Elements” for that criterion in the Mid-cycle Report.)
Send the whole set of completed progress reports to:
Darlene Lynch, Director
Program Quality Assurance Services
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906