Advanced Learning Supports works to support students with advanced learning needs.
Contact:
Office of Student Services
617.349.6500
THE PROCESS FOR ACADEMIC CHALLENGE AND ENRICHMENT
OSS is in the process of reevaluating and restructuring advanced learning supports and services. What follows is past information about the process and is subject to change.
Step 1) Parent/Guardian Request** - When a parent/guardian feels that there is a difference between their child’s potential and the challenge offered in the classroom, they should first contact the classroom teacher to initiate a conversation. If this is done by e-mail, the Principal/designee should be cc’d. If not, the Principal/designee should be informed of the request by phone or personal communication.
What will happen?
–The teacher should respond by offering a time to talk about the student’s learning.
What action will be taken?
–Any appropriate next steps should be agreed upon as a result of the meeting and a time frame for trying them out should be put in place.
**A teacher can also initiate this request based on their work with the student.
Step 2) A School-based Student Support Team will be convened by the Principal/designee if Step 1 does not address the concern.
What will happen?
–The team consisting of the school’s Student Support Team members as well as the district coaches and/or appropriate curriculum coordinator will problem solve and develop a Student Support Team Plan that addresses the student’s needs.
What action will be taken?
–If the plan meets the needs, it will be continued. (*We expect the district’s increased investment in UDL to increase the ability of schools to meet the needs of advanced learners.*)
–If the school personnel or parent/guardian feels that the current plan is not meeting the student’s needs they can submit a request to the Assistant Superintendent/Director of the Office of Student Services, who will convene a district student support team of appropriate personnel including the school-based student support team along with the Academic Challenge and Enrichment Support Program Manager and other appropriate personnel to revise the Student Support Team plan.
Step 3) Request from the District level Student Support Team to the appropriate Curriculum Department
What will happen?
–The district student support team will meet with the appropriate curriculum department and determine the appropriate assessment to use with the student to inform next steps for addressing the student’s needs.
What action will be taken?
–The assessment will be administered and results shared with the family and recommendations for their child.