Special Education Tiered Focus Monitoring and Parent Orientation

December 19, 2023

During the week of February 12, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Canton Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring reviews 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. 

Parent outreach is an important part of the review process. Prior to the review, the chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send an online survey to all parents of students with disabilities receiving services. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the activities of the onsite review and the development of the final report. 

The chairperson will also conduct a Parent Orientation meeting to explain the review process and provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions.  The Parent Orientation will be held in conjunction with CPACSS, the Canton Parent Advisory Committee for Student Services. Registration for the virtual meeting is listed below and after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Jan 23, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: CPACSS
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://cantonma-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WMU24BXkQPWjsnLMYa5FCw

During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations. After the conclusion of the review, the public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports. 

Parents and other individuals may call Talia Buonopane, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338- 3763 to request additional information or contact Meghan Byrne, the Director of Student Services, at 781-821-5060. 

Translated versions of this press release can be found here.

Sincerely,

Meghan Byrne
Director of Student Services