Student Assistance is a team of professionals that looks at a student's academic, behavior, attendance and health concerns that are affecting the student's school success. A student is typically referred to Student Assistance by the classroom teacher or by the Data Meeting team when the student is having difficulty meeting grade level expectations, after many interventions have already been tried. During inclusion meetings and data meetings, each child's academic data is reviewed and compared to grade level expectations.
Interventions and modifications are utilized when needed. The Student Assistance Team (S.A.T.) assists students by ensuring that the school and community are doing everything possible to make students' school lives successful. Students are most successful where there is a strong spirit of cooperation between home, school, and community.
Before a S.A.T. referral is made, students who are struggling academically are provided with Tier 1 interventions within the classroom. Teachers would have made some classroom modifications that enhance learning for students. For example, extra small group instruction, use of an additional program, or the use of manipulatives.
If a student continues to struggle, Tier 2 interventions are provided. Specific instructional time is increased; additional modifications are made. For example, Title 1 groups, extra paraprofessional support or additional tutoring. Students receiving Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions are monitored frequently during inclusion meetings looking at periodic short term assessments. Parents are notified by the classroom teacher when their child is receiving extra help.
When a student continues to struggle academically when receiving Tier 1 and 2 interventions, a referral to the Student Assistance Team is made. The student's behavior, attendance and health are considered as these can affect student progress. Student information from the parents, teachers and office files are gathered and summarized. The S.A.T meets to explore possibilities and strategies that will best meet the educational needs of the students, and supports teachers and parents, making and coordinating recommendations. Tier 1 and 2 interventions are reviewed and Tier 3 interventions are implemented.
Tier 3 interventions may include smaller group size, extra paraprofessioal tutoring, or informal special education support. Specific instructional time is again increased. Recommendations at this level may include academic, language and behavioral observations and screenings. Retention or a special education referral may be made based on the student's data. The S.A.T. meets frequently to review the student's data, brainstorm ideas, discuss intervention plans and make choices to complete a plan of action for student success.
