Office of Special Education Planning and PolicyDirector: Teri Williams Valentine(tvalentine@doe.mass.edu, 781-338-6202)This office's work supports implementation of policy and best practices in the area of special education. Operational responsibilities include administration of the federal IDEA grants and assignment of district programmatic and financial responsibilities. The office is currently developing an electronic IEP system for use by schools and districts.
Office of Public School MonitoringDirector: Vandana (Vani) Rastogi-Kelly(vrastogi-kelly@doe.mass.edu, 781-338-3728)This office conducts the Department's Coordinated Program Reviews and Mid-cycle Reviews in local education agencies with a focus on special education and civil rights. The office is working to broaden the focus of monitoring from compliance to educational results and outcomes for students, know as Results Driven Accountability. This year, the office is developing a tiered monitoring process so that resources are directed towards schools and districts that require the most support.
Office of Approved Special Education SchoolsDirector: Nina Marchese(nmarchese@doe.mass.edu, 781-338-3711)This office approves and oversees the educational programs at private special education schools located in the Commonwealth (sometimes referred to as "766 schools"). The office works collaboratively with the Department of Early Education and Care (which oversees the residential component of these schools) and the Operational Services Division (which establishes tuition rates).
Special Education in Institutional SettingsDirector: Mary Lou Chapman(mchapman@doe.mass.edu, 781-338-3305)This unit provides special education services to eligible children and youth residing in facilities operated by the Departments of Youth Services, Mental Health, and Public Health, and in the county houses of correction.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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