Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

During the week of December 5, 2022, the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused
Monitoring Review of BHRSD. 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 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.
Parents and other individuals may call Alaena Podmore, Public School Monitoring Chairperson,
at (781) 338-6706 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 BHRSD with a report with information about areas in which the BHRSD meets or exceeds
regulatory requirements and areas in which the BHRSD requires assistance to correct or improve
practices. The public will be able to access the report at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.