Family & Community Special Communities
Special Education

This document provides a framework to guide the establishment of systems of tiered instruction in districts and schools in Massachusetts. The framework includes the core components of tiered instruction and the broader school and district supports necessary to successfully implement tiered instruction. The aim of these systems is to provide high-quality core educational experiences for all students, and targeted interventions for students who experience academic and/or behavioral difficulties.

This self-assessment rubric is intended to support schools and districts in assessing the status of their efforts to develop robust, effective systems of tiered instruction. The criteria in this rubric are aligned with the model found in the System of Tiered Instruction (working Draft) and the two documents are intended to be used together.

This guidance document was designed to ensure that every special education parent advisory council operating in the state understands the capacity and potential that they have to collaborate with the school community to influence special education programs and policies in their district.

The IEP Process guide was developed to lead the reader through the revised IEP process as well as suggest sound practices.

This document offers guidance on how to ensure a responsive general education environment and guidelines to assist practitioners and parents in identifying students with disabilities. PowerPoint Presentation

The Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards is designed to assist the parent in understanding the special education process, and the rights of parents when their child has been referred for or is receiving special education services.

Written collaboratively by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "A Parent's Guide to Special Education" was developed to serve as a resource for parents and the organizations that serve them.

Written collaboratively by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, "A Parent's Guide to Selecting A Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts" was developed to assist parents in choosing an advocate in the Special Education process when needed.

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the participation of students with disabilities in statewide tests and to familiarize educators and parents/guardians with available test accommodations.