Vaughn G. Update Idalyn Hauss Deputy Officer for Special Education Debra Y. Barbour Director of Low Incidence and Inclusion November, 2007

History of “Vaughn G.” 1984 – original complaint filed by MDLC on behalf of a student (Vaughn G.), et al. (Class action suit) Basis for complaint was failure to provide assessments and timely development and implementation of IEPs 1988 – School district and MDLC entered into the original Consent Decree 1994 – MSDE became a join defendant in the Decree 1997 – Long Range Compliance Plan (LRCP) for Special Education became the 1 st systemic plan agreed upon by all parties agreed. LRCP was a 70 page document outlining actions and verifiable and measurable outcomes identifying all senior administrative staff as responsible for implementation LRCP required broad systemic reform – it was not just a special education issue

2000 Consent Order Currently in effect Appointed Amy Totenberg as Special Master Set forth 15 ultimate measurable outcomes that replaced the LRCP The plan became the “Implementation Plan” Of the original 15 outcomes, 7 outcomes remain in effect

Outcomes Dismissed by Court Report post-secondary employment (2002) Participation in vocational programs at same rate as total high school population (2003) Evaluation Meetings on Time (2002) IEPs implemented on time (2002) SETS accuracy (2002) IDEA Parent Complaint Resolution (2006) OSEMC IEP Report Card Standards (2006) OSEMC IEP Content Standards (2002)

Implementation Plan Major Components School completion and exit rates Discipline Inclusion Interruptions in Service IEP meetings for students designated as “drop-outs”

Outcomes 3 and 4 BCPSS will increase the rate of school completion for students with disabilities BCPSS will increase its graduation rate for students with disabilities Includes maximizing student choice, expanding programs, more students passing HSAs, improving attendance

Outcome 7 BCPSS will ensure that all students suspended/expelled are done so in accordance with IDEA Focus is on students not being denied access to their routine daily instructional program as the result of disciplinary action(s) IEP meetings held when appropriate Removals are documented consistently in student record

Outcomes 8 and 9 Students will receive IEP services in regular/combined programs to fullest extent possible Students will receive IEP services in the school they would attend if they were not disabled Inclusion Action Plans for each school – part of SIT IEPs will reflect high standards of quality, individualization, and compliance with legal requirements Ongoing support to principals to ensure successful implementation of the students’ IEP in the LRE

Outcome 11 Ensure that all required IEP services are provided without interruption Implementation of the Prevention Plan Process within required timelines Document the provision of IEP required services using Encounter Tracker Supervision of service delivery and performance standards

Outcome 13 Students with disabilities (14 and above) who are designated as “dropouts” will have an IEP review meeting Implementation of attendance policy and dropout procedures Implementation of due diligence requirements for students designated as “dropouts”

How is this plan “different”? Previous plans focused on establishing institutional mechanisms, development of policies, procedures and guidelines Main activities were directed to central and area office Focus and accountability now shifted to the schools, specifically principals and AAOs Plan activities require follow-up and corrective actions A primary area of focus for Dr. Alonso

What’s next? Central Office will continue to provide ongoing communication to schools, monitor progress in meeting outcomes, provide technical assistance and resources, provide appropriate follow- up Principals and AAOs will implement the plan, monitor, conduct appropriate follow-up, and report progress Special Master and MSDE will monitor all activities within the plan BCPSS will maintain systemic documentation and provide quarterly reports to the Court Court will determine compliance in meeting outcomes based on all available information BCPSS will achieve substantial compliance in order to request release from some of the outcomes by end of next school year