A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20, from 4:00-4:30 PM on Zoom with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to discuss its Integrated Monitoring Review of Worcester Public Schools.
DESE’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review during the week of January 20, 2025. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years.
The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards. Worcester Public Schools will be undergoing a Group B monitoring review that addresses special education teacher and related service personnel licensure and professional development; parent, student, and community engagement, including compliance with Child Find requirements; facilities and classroom observations; implementation and oversight of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); time and learning, and equal access.
The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.
Worcester Public Schools will host an orientation about the review process. The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.
Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Corey Steinman, DESE Monitoring Review Chairperson, at 781-338- 3742 to request a telephone interview. If anyone 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 district with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report online.