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, Department of Multilingual Learner Education (MLE), and the Office for Social and Emotional Learning (OSEL).
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.
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).