Dear RPS Families,

During the week of November 14-18, 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 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. Erin VandeVeer, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, will lead a parent orientation for anyone interested in learning more about the Tiered Focused Monitoring Review process on November 3rd at 6:30pm in the RMS/RHS Lecture Hall. Please enter through the door marked Main Entrance East near the entrance to Rockland High School. This orientation will be part of a regularly scheduled Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) meeting. We welcome parents and guardians interested in joining that group!

This week, 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 chairpersons of the district’s 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 or email Erin VandeVeer, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3735 to request an interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Rockland Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the Rockland Public Schools meet or exceed regulatory requirements and areas in which the Rockland Public Schools require assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alan H. Cron

Superintendent of Schools

DESE Review Orientation- October 2022
DESE Review Orientation- October 2022 (Portuguese)

Phelps Elementary School

DESE Office of Public-School Monitoring Visits Rockland Public Schools for Routine Review - Parents Invited