IHBAA-1 Procedures for Observation of Special Education Programs

Wayland Public Schools

PROCEDURES FOR OBSERVATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The goal of the procedures outlined below is to allow a parent/legal guardian, consultant to the school system or evaluator to observe a student or program in order to gain the information the observer is seeking with as little disruption as possible to the students, staff, and educational process.

An evaluator hired by the parent or guardian is observing on behalf of the parent or guardian and, therefore, the parent or guardian may not simultaneously observe the student or program. Additionally, an evaluator should have the appropriate credentials or expertise to perform the observation, and will be attempting to provide objective data as part of an evaluation about the student or program upon which educational decisions can be based.

The procedures listed below are to be followed for an observation to occur:

1. Any potential observer or parents’ request to observe their child(ren), current program, or a potential placement must complete the “Observation of Special Education Request Form” and submit this completed form at least five days in advance of any requested date for observation, except in exigent circumstances, with the Director of Student Services, designee and/or Principal. This form asks observers to be as specific as possible about their requests, noting the purpose of their observation and whom or what they wish to observe. Due to the possible distraction caused by any visitor’s presence, only one observer will be allowed to visit for two (2) consecutive classes/periods/therapy sessions or for a maximum of two (2) hours, at the discretion of the building principal depending on the nature of the individual program being visited. Multiple appointments may be made to observe a variety of classes/periods/therapy sessions.

The number, frequency, and duration of observation periods will be determined on an individual student basis in accordance with law and regulation. The start and end time of observation periods and a schedule of observation periods will be stated in advance. In order to minimize classroom or student disruption, the length of individual observation periods may be limited.

2. The Director of Student Services or designee shall contact the parent(s) for initial scheduling conversation with five (5) days of receipt of the parents’ request.

3. When a parent requests an observation of a special needs student or program, the Director of Student Services or designee will seek approval from the building principal before it is processed. Such approval may only be withheld for those reasons outlined within law and DESE regulation.

The principal shall have the sole discretion to approve observations and to determine the number, times, and dates of observations. Every effort will be made to accommodate the preferences of the observer as indicated on the “Observation of Special Education Request Form” when possible. Under ordinary circumstances, observations are strongly discouraged during the first two weeks of school in September and January and during the month of June. After the form is submitted to the main office of the building in which the observation is sought, a representative of the Department of Student Services will call the observer to schedule the visit and will send the observer written confirmation.

4. The Director of Student Services or designee and/or Principal will work with the classroom teacher and the observer to set up the specifics of the observation (including, but not limited to, scheduling and placement of the observer in the classroom).

5. If the observer is not the parent, the parent must sign a release for the individual to observe.

6. Observers should arrive at the main office fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled observation to sign in and otherwise comply with visitor procedures as set forth in the attached “Visitor Procedures.” Late arrivals may have to reschedule their visit or wait until the following period to enter a classroom. Visitors should limit the materials they bring with them. Food, drinks, books, catalogues, test reports, laptops, and other materials are not permitted but a notepad is expected. Observers should not speak to staff or students during the observation or otherwise disrupt the class or therapy in anyway.

The observer will be informed that he/she is not to interfere with the educational environment of the classroom. If his/her presence presents a problem, he/she will be asked to leave. This notice is particularly important, since the presence of parents can influence both the performance of their child(ren) and those of others.

The observer will be instructed regarding the disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information relating to other children. Staff should remove materials which may be part of students’ records from plain view. In the event that removal is not possible, the observer may be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

7. In advance of an observation, an observer may request a conference with appropriate staff members. Such conferences may be limited by the availability of the particular staff member and shall be arranged at the discretion of the building principal. A designated Wayland staff member will be assigned to accompany visitors throughout their observations and during such staff conferences.