The Office of Student Services (OSS) provides comprehensive support and services to each student in Cambridge to ensure they have the optimal conditions to receive high-quality instruction and thrive in learning. Divisions supported by (OSS) include the Office of Special Education (SES) Services, Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports and Interventions (MTSS), Department of Multilingual Learner Education, Advanced Learner Supports and the Office for Social and Emotional Learning (OSEL) and Supports covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Office of Special Education ensures that students have meaningful access to the general education curriculum through the provision of supports, services, accommodations and modifications as documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). OSS provides a continuum of placement options for the student to receive an appropriate education designed to meet their educational needs in the least restrictive environment with non-disabled peers. When the nature of the student’s disability is so severe that their needs cannot be met with appropriate aids and services, consideration is given to explore the full continuum of placement options.
These options include a general education setting, substantially separate classroom, out-of-district schools or hospital settings.
OSS also monitors the design and implementation of 504 Education Plans. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that requires the provision of reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities to access a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) and the opportunities and experiences associated with it, including after school activities.
The Office of Social and Emotional Learning (OSEL) realizes that students learn best when they feel safe and supported in school, both physically and emotionally. OSEL ensures school-based staff use the most effective strategies to foster a safe learning climate and maximize student engagement and achievement. OSEL is committed to teaching students skills that will help them with school as well as in life. These skills include:
- Managing and understanding their emotions
- Understanding and being able to relate to others
- Making responsible decisions
These skills are needed to persist with a range of situations—from figuring out a tough math problem or collaborating on a group project to setting goals for college and career.
This office directly manages district level Lead Teachers for SEL, SEL social workers and the administration of the SEL diagnostic screener, the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESA).
The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Interventions provides the system wide support around the MTSS process, the pre-referral process, and strategic tutoring support. Under this office is the supervision of Advanced Learner Services and support which exist to assist students who have learning exceptionalities in the areas of giftedness in acquiring the needed enrichment or continuum of support.