Family Survey on IEP Development Process:
The Department needs input from Massachusetts families, students with individualized education programs (IEPs), and the community about the IEP development process and the technology used to support it. Friday, May 18 is the last day to complete this online survey. Check the IEP Improvement Project page for updates.
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District Induction and Mentoring Report Forms Coming Next Week:
On May 15, DESE will release the survey form for districts’ 2018 Induction and Mentoring Reports. Reports are required of traditional school districts and Horace Mann charter schools and are optional for Commonwealth charter schools.
Districts should ensure that their mentoring and induction contact information is up-to-date. The local directory administrator is responsible for giving DESE up-to-date contact information for all roles. The individuals designated as induction and mentoring contacts should complete this year’s Induction and Mentoring Report. When the local directory administrator does not provide an induction and mentoring contact, the contact information defaults to the superintendent.
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School Security Assessment App:
The U.S. Department of Education has developed a school security assessment app called SITE ASSESS that districts can download for free at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. SITE ASSESS is a comprehensive tool that allows school and district staff to use their hand-held devices and examine their school’s safety, security, accessibility, and emergency preparedness. The app generates a customized to-do list that may be used to address facility improvements and share pertinent information with first responders.
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Leading the Nation Week:
The Department would like to thank Salem Academy Charter School, East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Brockton High School, Revere High School, Springfield Renaissance School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, and Maynard High School for hosting DESE representatives at Leading the Nation events this week and for the many other districts who shared their successes online and through other communications, including through #LeadingTheNation on Twitter. Thank you to all!
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- Presidential Scholars announced: The U.S. Department of Education recently announced this year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars, high school seniors who are recognized for their accomplishments in the academics, the arts, or career and technical education fields. The Massachusetts scholars are Moriah G. Lim of North Attleboro High School and Samantha G. Alves of Mansfield, who attends the private Noble and Greenough School. Both were recognized for their academic achievements. Congratulations!
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- Mass IDEAS School Model Design Studio: Mass IDEAS will hold their School Model Design Studio July 17-19 in Central Massachusetts. The event will provide teams from across the state with coaching, feedback and support to create innovative school models. Applications are due Friday, June 1. Teams may find the Studio useful if they plan to apply for Mass IDEAS’ planning grant in the fall. More information about the Studio is available on the Mass IDEAS site. Reach out to Liza Veto, Mass IDEAS Program Officer (Liza@massideas.org), with any questions.
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