EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral and Director of Special Services Theresa Skinner report that during the week of May 22, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Easton 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 chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send an online survey to all parents of students with disabilities receiving IEP services. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a final report.
During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews with district staff and administrators and review of student records.
Parents and other interested individuals may call Public School Monitoring Chairperson Julie Evans at 781-338- 3734 to request additional information, or Director Skinner at 508-205-5900.
After the conclusion of the review, the public will be able to access the report at doe.mass.edu/psm. The report will include information about areas where the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas where the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices.
Additional information about the Public School Tiered Focused Monitoring System can be found here.