October 2023 Update from Special Education

PDF Version

I hope this message finds you well as we embark on another school year. I am pleased to share that our start has been successful in many aspects. We have overcome some initial staffing challenges and currently our professional staffing is complete.  We continue to have a few district openings for the current school year.  If anyone is interested please follow this link to the Human Resources page for more information. 

This academic year, we are undertaking a significant initiative: the implementation of the IEP Improvement Project. As of September 2024, all school districts in Massachusetts will adopt this newly developed Individualized Education Program (IEP) form. Our staff has already begun the training process, commencing with the first of four "Train the Trainer" sessions on September 29, 2023 with Allan Blume. Throughout the year, there will be three additional training sessions, as well as state-level training opportunities.

It is essential to understand that while the form is new, the underlying process remains unchanged. Much of the information within the updated format will be familiar to our families. I want to emphasize that we are here to support all students, educators, and families throughout this transition. I will provide more detailed information about the implementation process later in the school year. For your convenience, I have included sample plans and additional resources available in the link provided above.

We are also beginning a full review of Special Education services within the district.  The review will be conducted by Urban Collaborative. As part of this process, alongside confidential surveys, there will be virtual open meetings organized for families and educators to engage in confidential discussions about their experiences with special education within the district and experiences of families of students who are in placements outside of the district.  I will be sending more information about these meeting dates in the upcoming weeks.  The onsite team will be in North Andover on November 1st and 2nd visiting all schools.  

Also, in November the district will be participating in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s monitoring process. 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.  I have included a press release that is also available on the District’s website.  

I appreciate your continuous support and collaboration in fostering an inclusive environment for all of our students.  Working together, we are committed to ensuring that this year is an enriching and exciting experience for every learner.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Marci Boccuzzi
Executive Director of Special Education
North Andover Public Schools