Norwood School District completes DESE monitoring review with strong ratings

The Norwood School Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss the outcomes of their recent integrated monitoring review conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The meeting highlighted the committee's efforts in addressing various standards related to student services and civil rights.

The committee, identified as Group B for this review cycle, submitted extensive documentation to DESE by the October 4 deadline. An on-site visit took place on December 17, during which two chairpersons from the committee facilitated the review process. The committee received pre-finding corrections on January 31, allowing them to address any discrepancies before the final report was issued on March 19. The committee submitted their corrective actions on the same day as the meeting.

Key areas of focus during the review included licensure and professional development, parent and community engagement, classroom observations, and ensuring equal access to educational resources. The committee reported a collaborative effort with DESE, noting daily communication with their chairperson, Julie Evans, who was commended for her support throughout the process.

The findings from the review categorized the committee's performance as commendable, implemented, partially implemented, or not implemented. Notably, the committee achieved a status of either implemented or partially implemented across all reviewed areas. Specific areas of successful implementation included child find, assistive technology, IEP implementation, and compliance with civil rights regulations, such as accessibility to programs and services for students with disabilities.

However, the committee received a partially implemented rating for special education professional development, particularly concerning training for transportation drivers. The committee acknowledged the need for annual training and proper documentation to ensure drivers are informed about the students they transport, while also respecting student privacy rights under FERPA.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the hard work put forth by the entire team involved in the review process, emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvements in student services and compliance with educational standards. The committee plans to continue addressing the areas identified for improvement, particularly in enhancing training for transportation staff.