Chloe Shelford Feb 14, 2021
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education determined that language used by the Wareham School District in its forms related to Individualized Education Plans was “inconsistent with Department guidance.”
The language has since been removed, and the complaint was closed.
SPEDWatch, Inc., a special education advocacy group, filed a complaint with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in late January alleging that Wareham Schools used illegal language on Individualized Education Plan forms, which guarantee accommodations for students who need them.
SPEDWatch’s complaint included a redacted copy of a student’s N1 form which included the line “The Parent agrees to excuse the District from strict performance of IEP timelines which are challenging pursuant to governmental directives arising from or related COVID-19 pandemic issues.”
SPEDWatch, Inc., a special education advocacy group, has filed a complaint with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education alleging that Wareham Schools used illegal language on forms related to Individualized Education Plans which guarantee accommodations for students who need them.
SPEDWatch’s complaint included a redacted copy of a student’s N1 form which includes the line “The Parent agrees to excuse the District from strict performance of IEP timelines which are challenging pursuant to governmental directives arising from or related COVID-19 pandemic issues.”
The complaint goes on to explain that per the state’s guidance, districts must use a “student-centered approach to timelines instead of a district-wide approach.” The state later said that districts must “continue to treat timelines as if they are in effect and make efforts to meet them” including “attempting to agree with parents on extending any deadlines.”