Tiered Focus Monitoring

During the week of January 29, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) conducted a Tiered Focus Monitoring Review of Medford Public Schools.

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 was an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring sent all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focused on key areas of their child's special education program. Survey results  contributed to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring interviewed the chairperson(s) of the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities  included interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

After the onsite visit, the review chairperson provided the district with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public is able to access the report on the DESE website.

The 2024 Tiered Focus Monitoring Report is also available in pdf format.