Overview of the Student Support Team Process

 SST Manual

The Student Support Team (SST) process was designed to provide support to the student and teacher through a collaborative approach. It is based on the premise that “two heads are better than one” when developing plans for students who are having difficulty in school. When approached in a positive manner, the SST can be a valuable tool in providing for an effective educational program for students.

Student Support Teams are most effective in schools in which all school staff have responsibility for all students and are skilled at engaging in collaborative problem solving. The process involves six basic steps that focus on individual student needs, learning styles, program effectiveness, and home/school communication. These steps are as follows:

1. Gathering of Information - Prior to and during the first meeting, team members gather as much relevant information as possible regarding the student’s past and present educational and/or behavioral performance. Information should be gathered from a variety of sources including parents, official school records, and anecdotal records.
2. Assessment (if necessary) and Evaluation of Data - The team meets to discuss and interpret the information available to them. The team may decide that more information is needed and develop a plan for obtaining the information.
3. Development of Educational Plan - After evaluating the existing information, the team develops an individual educational plan specific to the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Strategies and techniques are brainstormed and agreed upon by all those involved in the implementation process. A timeline for follow-up and evaluation of progress is established.
4. Implementation of Educational Plan - The educational plan is implemented for a specified time period. Additional data is gathered if needed.
5. Evaluation of Progress - The SST reconvenes to discuss progress and additional data. The educational plan is changed as needed. Further course of action is discussed.
6. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation - The SST monitors student progress and alters the plan as is necessary. If the educational plan is effective and no disability is suspected, the team should meet periodically to discuss the student’s progress.

At any time during this process, if the team has sufficient evidence that the student has a disability, the team should determine whether an evaluation or 504 Plan is necessary. For students with obvious severe disabilities and/or crisis and for whom delay of referral to special education or other supplemental or support services would be detrimental to the student, the SST may bypass implementation of alternative strategies prior to referral. The reason(s) for bypassing this process must be clearly documented in the SST minutes.

When a student makes sufficient progress and/or modifications are no longer needed, the SST may dismiss the student from the process. Records of the SST activity are part of the student’s permanent record and thus should follow the student as he/she progresses through the educational system.