Memo - PDF Version

December, 2001

To: Superintendents of Big 4 Cities
District Superintendents
SETRC PDS and Project Directors
RSSC Executive Directors and Special Education Staff
SEQA Supervisors and Regional Associates

From: Fredric DeMay, Coordinator, Program Development and Support Services, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for
Individuals with Disabilities

Rebecca Cort, Coordinator, Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA), Office of Vocational and Educational Services for
Individuals with Disabilities

James Viola, Regional Education Coordinator, Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing

Subject: Review of Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Plans for Targeted Chapter 405 Districts

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide specific feedback on the SED review of the CSPD plans for the 12¹ upstate and Long Island districts designated for TARGETED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE under Chapter 405 of the Laws of 1999. The memorandum is being provided to a wider audience than those directly involved with the 12 districts to facilitate an understanding of the review process utilized by the Department and to prepare stakeholders in the Special Education Training and Resource Centers (SETRC) and Regional School Support Center (RSSC) networks and SEQA for future reviews of CSPD plans. It includes background, an overview of the review process, a summary of the results of the review, next steps, and roles and responsibilities for SETRC and RSSC Personnel.

A March 2001 memorandum entitled "Requirements for Districts Identified Under Chapter 405 of the Laws of 1999" identified specific planning procedures utilizing the CSPD process for districts identified under Chapter 405. Those procedures included a thorough analysis of district data, an analysis of root causes, and identification of strategies to address Chapter 405 problem areas. The memorandum also stated "The Statewide SETRC network is responsible for providing technical assistance to local districts on the CSPD planning process and can provide districts with the appropriate forms and procedures."

Review Process (see attached: CSPD Plan Review – Targeted Districts)

The review process developed by VESID is based on CSPD quality indicators that have been used by SETRC with local districts over the past several years. Generally, the quality indicators look for evidence in the following five areas:

1. The district analyzed data and identified problem areas,
2. The district engaged in root cause discussions,
3. The district developed long-term and annual goals, and strategies based on data analysis and root cause discussions,
4. District implementation of the CSPD plan will result in addressing the identified problem areas, and
5. The district described how progress will be monitored and evaluated throughout the year.

Each CSPD plan was individually reviewed and scored by SETRC, RSSC, and SEQA personnel at the local level. The local team developed a single consensus score which was forwarded to the Department’s Chapter 405 workgroup. The plans were reviewed and individually scored by at least three VESID Chapter 405 workgroup staff, who also met as a team to compare notes and to consider the recommendations of the local review group. The team agreed on a consensus score for each section of the plan and developed a recommendation for "acceptance" or "modifications required." Individual letters are being developed for the Superintendent of each targeted district summarizing the outcome of the review and required next steps. District Superintendents, SETRC and RSSCs will be copied on those letters. (See attached CSPD Plan Summary Review Form)

The quality of the CSPD plans varied significantly. Of the twelve districts, two plans were scored in the 60’s (out of a maximum of 68) and were accepted. The remaining 10 plans scored in a range from 0 to 50 and will require modifications. The two plans that were accepted, as well as several of the plans that will require minor modifications, very clearly indicated that district personnel understood both the intent and spirit of the CSPD process in addressing Chapter 405 problem areas. We congratulate the SETRC and RSSC personnel who assisted those districts. The other plans that scored much lower indicated a lack of understanding of the intent of the CSPD process that will need to be addressed in order for the district to resolve its Chapter 405 issues. We understand that numerous factors contribute to successful planning and encourage SETRC and RSSC personnel to be creative and flexible in guiding these districts.

• Districts requiring modifications will be required to submit revised plans by February 1, 2002 to the SETRC, RSSC, Regional Associate, and Chapter 405 workgroup.
• Local review and scoring of the plans by SETRC, RSSC and SEQA personnel must occur prior to February 15. The same process described above and the same forms will be used.
• The Chapter 405 workgroups (SED Review Teams) will meet on February 15 to review the local recommendations to determine if plans are accepted, need further modification, or if corrective action is required.
  

• A Targeted Technical Assistance district automatically becomes a priority district for both SETRC and the RSSC. SETRC and the RSSC should be actively involved with ongoing implementation of the district’s CSPD and report on activities and progress through the regular reporting procedures.
• For districts requiring modifications to the CSPD plan, SETRC is charged with lead responsibility for coordinating planning efforts with the RSSC and SEQA to ensure that the plan is developed, individually reviewed, and team reviewed prior to February 15. Submit one copy of the joint review form to the Chapter 405 workgroup, attention Eileen Borden (fax: 518-474-2219).
• It is strongly recommended that SETRC, RSSC and SEQA personnel utilize the same review process and scoring procedure for the CSPD plans of districts designated as Regional Technical Assistance to ensure quality of effort and likelihood of implementation. Feedback to those districts should utilize the same summary form to provide comments on the areas that require modification. Please note that the summary review form does not include scoring recorded on the review form and any scoring should only be used as a guide for the review team and not for dissemination. The summary review form should be from the local team with a copy to the District Superintendent and the Chapter 405 workgroup.

We appreciate your continuing efforts on behalf of this initiative and look forward to the impact of those efforts on our students.

Attachment

Memo to Upstate Supervisors and RAs

CSPD Plan Review - Targeted Districts

CSPD Plan Summary Review Form

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