Update: May 6, 2024
The Results of Our DESE Tiered Focused Monitored Review – Full Compliance in the Areas of Special Education and Civil Rights
The Office of Special Education has completed the three year DESE Tiered Focused Monitored Review and was found to be in full compliance with standards and regulations set forth by the state of Massachusetts.
This year the district participated in the Part B Assessment which included a review of Special Education Policies and Procedures as well as Civil Rights. The review included a detailed self-assessment procedure, parent survey and feedback, policy review, staff interviews, and an onsite visit to eight district schools.
Thank everyone that participated in the process, hosted a visit, interviewed with DESE and supported the Special Education department. We are especially thankful to our special education staff, teachers, psychologists, related service providers, paraprofessionals, clerks, directors, and program managers for all the work that they do in supporting the success of our students!
During the week of February 26, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Cambridge Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child's special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the school's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of school staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.
Parents and other individuals may contact Dee Wyatt, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at
[email protected] to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the school with a report with information about areas in which the school meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the school requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report
here.