Daytime SpedPAC meeting on the PQA report

Please join the PAC for a daytime meeting to discuss Worcester’s Coordinated Program Review (Compliance required by Federal & State Law)

March 18th 10am - 12pm **Thursday
Worcester Public Library Salem Sq. - Saxe room 3 Salem Sq. Worcester, MA 10608
(all library events are public)

Was your child's school or program cited in the report? (Link below for full report)

Did the report find problems specific to your child’s special education program; were you told your child could not attend a specific school or the Vocational Technical High School; did you experience IEP violations or discrimination? Join us to learn answers to these other pending issues. PAC members and guests/parents are encouraged to attend and to ask questions -- We look forward to seeing you there!
If you are unable to attend but wish us to ask a question on your behalf please forward the question via email to lisabrown@worcesterspedpac.org

Guest Speakers: Dr. Delores Gribouski, Manager of Student Support Services
Mr. Stephen Gannon, Director of Special Education

Worcester Public Schools Dr. Gribouski along with Mr. Steve Gannon (Worcester's Special Education Director) will talk about the results of the Coordinated Program Review report released in October 2009. They will explain what action has been taken so far as well as planned action in order for Worcester to be in compliance with current regulations. They will also be answering audience questions.


What is a Program Quality Review or PQR? The state comes to Worcester every 6 years to run a review programs and services that are mandated by Federal and State law. As one part of its accountability system, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education oversees local compliance with education requirements. The following areas are reviewed: Special Education, English Language Learners (ELL), Civil Rights, and Vocational Education. In preparing this report, the PQR team reviewed extensive written documentation regarding the operation of the district's programs, together with information gathered by means of the following Department program review methods

The full report can be found here: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/#W

RTTT MOU: O'Connell

O'Connell: "if we are granted the support of the state...really is crucial that we have...open process"
involve EAW
how it could be best used
public monitor what's taking place, offer advice and input
CPPAC, SpedPAC, site councils, teachers, principals, employees
concerns are truly some storm clouds overhead: reps have gone out of their way to understand and help us
only most recent effort

editorial comment on the new members: first week you have had have been extraordinary compliments from O'Connell on the time and effort spent this week by new members on this issue