Student Study Team (SST)

Student Study Team (SST)      The Student Study Team (SST) is an efficient and effective way to bring together all resources in the best interest of helping students reach their potential.  Students are most successful when there is a cooperative effort between parents and school personnel in a spirit of shared responsibility.  The Student Study Team meets at the school to explore and problem-solve, in order to help and support students having difficulties in regular classes.  The team is a problem solving body that can define the needs of the students and school and help translate those needs into improved curriculum and instruction.  parents on the team help to foster a supportive atmosphere for students at home towards education in general.  SST is a support team for teachers. Individual Education Plan (IEP) Identification/Assessment Early identification is an essential element of successful program planning for students with special needs.  Students may be identified before they enter the school system.  In such cases, existing assessment and programming information should be requested without delay to permit planning.  Students with special needs have been identified prior to enrollment, or when students have obvious and severe special needs which have not been previously identified.  The school-based team should respond promptly to a teacher's request for a determination of the need for assessment planning and intervention. Referral to the School-Based Team Upon the request of the referring teacher or parent the team provides support through extended consultation on possible classroom strategies helps plan for and coordinate services for the student provides access to additional school, district community or regional services, and provides planning for and coordination of services in the school.  Team members are an administrator, teacher, resource teacher, psychologist, parents, and district resource staff as needed. IEP Plan should define: What should be taught, with how each goal or objective will be met. Who will teach it? Modifications and accommodations needed in regular education settings Behavior plan, with goals and objectives, if the child's behavior is identified as a concern by the team Special education and related services to be provided for the student Where it will be taught and if changes in school buildings are needed When the program will begin, how long it will be provided, and when it will be reviewed Why the plan is needed, based on the assessment of the student's needs Parental approval with written consent before starting the program The written report of the assessment is made available to the parents