Hoosac Valley Regional School District to Undergo Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

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CHESHIRE, Mass. — During the week of Jan. 6, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring
Review of the Hoosac Valley Regional School District. 
 
This review is part of DESE's ongoing efforts to monitor and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations concerning English Learner Education (ELE) programs.
 
The Tiered Focused Monitoring Review is a comprehensive process that examines various aspects of a district's ELE program. The review will focus on areas such as:
 
  • Student assessments for English learners
  • Identification and placement of English learners
  • Parent and community involvement
  • Curriculum and instructional practices
  • Student support services
  • Faculty, staff, and administration licensure requirements
  • Program planning, evaluation, and recordkeeping
 
The review is conducted every six years for each district and charter school to assess their adherence to relevant laws and ensure continuous improvement in serving English learners.
 
In addition to the onsite review, parent outreach is a critical component of the process. The Hoosac Valley Regional School District will distribute a survey to parents of students whose records will be
examined. The survey seeks feedback on key aspects of their child's English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and included in the final monitoring report.
 
Parents or community members who wish to participate further can request a telephone interview with the Review Chairperson, Samantha Kodak, by contacting her at Samantha.k.kodak@mass.gov.
 
DESE will also accommodate individuals who need assistance, such as translation services, to ensure full participation.
 
Following the onsite visit, DESE will issue a report within approximately 60 business days. This report will outline areas where the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements, as well as areas requiring improvement. 
 
The final report will be made publicly available at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
 
For more information or to participate in the review, contact Samantha Kodak at Samantha.k.kodak@mass.gov.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BArT Enrollment Information Session

ADAMS, Mass. —The Berkshire Arts and Technology (BArT) Charter Public School will host an enrollment information session on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at BArT (1 Commercial Street, Adams, MA) for current-year transfers and new students starting in the fall.

Families interested in enrolling at BArT are invited to attend. A Spanish translator will be in attendance.

Pre-registration is welcome but not required. RSVP here (https://forms.gle/YNRr3KYq4RATVSaC7) or contact BART's Enrollment Team (enrollment@bartcharter.org, 413.743.7411 x732).

Apply by Jan. 7 at noon for an immediate seat in grades 6, 9, or 10.
Apply by Feb. 25 to be included in the primary lottery for new students in grades 6 through 10 for the 2025-26 school year.

The enrollment information session will provide an overview of BArT's college preparatory arts and technology curriculum, enrollment process, special education services, and BArT's unique role in Berkshire County.
  • BArT is a free public charter school educating middle and high school students in grades 6-12.
  • BArT offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual enrollment with local colleges.
  • BArT provides free breakfast, lunch, and transportation.
  • BArT has competitive cross country, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball teams.
  • BArT seniors complete a college course and do a work-based learning experience.
Visit  BArT's website for more information.

 

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