Welcome to the Office of Special Education

  • OUR VISION

    Our students have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment, empowering each youth to achieve at high levels leading to post-secondary success.

    OUR MISSION

    To eliminate the achievement gap by providing equal access to high-quality comprehensive services that support student achievement, family, and community engagement. 

     

  • UPDATE: 3/27/23 | For more information about the MassHealth Eligibility Redetermination visit here.

  • Federal law guarantees every student the right to a free and appropriate public education regardless of handicap or disability. State law (CMR 28) further guarantees the right to an education in the “least restrictive environment.” That means in typical classroom settings with students without disabilities.  

    To help every child succeed, the Office of Special Education focuses on academic outcomes, aspirations for our students, and regulatory compliance. We are providing our students with more stability and continuity, new opportunities for inclusion, and high-quality programs that are aligned with district efforts to help all our students reach a high standard. 

    • Every Boston Public School offers Resource/Learning Center services. These programs provide specialized instruction for up to 10 students in an instructional period.
    • Many Boston Public Schools offer services in a substantially separate setting. These programs provide specialized instruction to between 8 and 12 students in an instructional setting.
    • A number of Boston Public Schools offer services to students with significant disabilities. These programs range in enrollment from 6 to 10 students.
    • Three special schools serve students with disabilities: the Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Carter Development Center for students with significant cognitive delays, and the McKinley Schools for students with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities.

    If you believe that your child is having difficulty making progress in a regular classroom due to a disability, you have the right to an evaluation of your child to find out if he or she has a disability and is eligible for special education services. Ask the principal/headmaster or Special Ed Coordinator (COSESS) for this evaluation.

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