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UPIPs review finds USDB largely compliant but flags measurable IEP goals and paraeducator training needs
Summary
A five‑year UPIPs deep dive at USDB produced generally positive compliance findings but highlighted areas for improvement including measurable annual IEP goals, better use of MAPS testing data, fewer premature ESY determinations and more paraeducator training; corrections are due by Oct. 25, trustees were told.
Superintendent Susan Patton and USDB staff reviewed findings from a recent UPIPs deep‑dive review that focused on special‑education file compliance and practice across USDB programs.
Patton said UPIPs reviewers examined present levels of academic achievement (PLAAFPs), goal measurability and file compliance. “We did well,” she told trustees, while also noting specific guidance: annual goals in some files lacked measurable criteria, and reviewers suggested using MAPS testing more consistently to measure academic progress. Patton said files that lacked needed elements produced low percentages in the sample review — for example, an eligibility question returned 67% in one small sample because one file of three reviewed was noncompliant.
Patton and staff described guidance on extended school year (ESY) determinations, recommending fewer immediate ESY markings and more frequent reconvening to assess regression and need later in the year. The reviewers also asked USDB to tighten measurable language in annual goals and to ensure objectives beneath goals include measurement criteria.
Michelle Tanner, who joined remotely, relayed classroom and outreach realities and echoed paraeducator requests for more training. “Our paraeducators said, you know, we could use some more training,” Tanner said; trustees and staff noted paraeducator turnover and a recently‑hired Springville director who is “very engaged and learning.”
Patton told the board she has reviewed every flagged goal, identified why certain files lacked measurable elements, and will submit corrections by Oct. 25. She emphasized the UPIPs team’s small‑sample approach: reviewers inspected a limited number of files at each site, so percentage scores reflect that sampling.
Trustees asked for the full UPIPs report; staff said they would distribute the document. Board members pressed staff to use the review findings to target paraeducator training and to tighten procedures for ESY determinations and transition planning.
No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff said they will implement UPIPs corrections and return to the board as required.
