ROCKLAND – Superintendent Alan Cron reports that during the week of March 22, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public-School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Rockland Public School District.
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 District visit, which will be done virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 Rockland District review, the Office of Public-School Monitoring will interview the chairperson of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). In addition, other review activities will include interviews with Rockland’s Pupil Personnel Director, the Superintendent of Schools, and review of student records.
Parents and other individuals may call Henry Ndakalu, Public-School Monitoring Chairperson, at 781-338-3706 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 District’s virtual visit, the review chairperson will provide the Rockland Public School with a report with information about areas in which the Rockland Public School meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which Rockland Public School requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at here.
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