Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to do Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Springfield Prep Charter School as part of regularly scheduled review of all school districts

SPRINGFIELD, MA - January 6, 2021 – During the week of February 1, 2021 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Springfield Prep Charter School. 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 (district or charter school) with a report with information about areas in which the (district or charter school) meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the (district or charter school) 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/.

For further information about Springfield Prep Charter School, please contact Bill Spirer, Executive Director, at 413-234-3174 or bspirer@springfieldprep.org.

About Springfield Prep Charter School

Springfield Prep is a K-6 charter public school serving 378 Springfield students. The school, which is in its sixth year of operation, is adding a grade each year and will have 486 students in grades K-8 by 2022.

The school’s mission is to prepare all students for high school, college, and life through a focus on rigorous academics and character development. The school is free, public, and open to all students who submit a simple one-page application. Students are selected by random lottery.