Arlington Public Schools 5926

Date

8/31/21

LEA

Arlington Public Schools

5926

Category

IEP IMPLEMENTATION

COMPENSATORY SERVICES

Issue

(1) District failed to provide any special education services as listed under student’s IEP for 2 months while student was awaiting an out-of-district placement.

(2) District failed to convene the IEP Team to consider COVID-19 compensatory services.

* DESE did not investigate matters from the 2017-2019 school years because they occurred more than one year prior to the filing of the complaint.

Finding

Noncompliance:

(1) District did not arrange the provision of any special education services (as it was obligated to do) while the student was awaiting placement in an out-of-district program, constituting a denial of a free and appropriate public education.

Compliance:

(2) District implemented DESE’s guidance by showing it had provided parent with written notice that the school team found student did not need COVID-19 compensatory services due to school closure in spring of 2020, and that Team would reconvene as needed to reconsider any future need for compensatory services.

Corrective Action

District must develop a compensatory services plan with the parent. If unable to do so by 9/24, the parties must submit their proposals for DESE to develop a plan.