In the public school system, before referring a child for Special Education Services, best practice is to provide various levels of intervention to students struggling academically or behaviorally. Each school has a Student Study Team (SST), usually consisting of the child's teacher, the parent, and other professionals, who review interventions available to the child and make intervention recommendations prior to assessing for Special Education.

If you suspect your child may have some difficulties in school you can seek help in several ways. One way is to discuss your concerns with your child's teacher(s). You may find that the teacher shares your concerns and is trying to address them. Together, you can come up with strategies and put interventions in place to support your child. If your concerns continue, you should contact your child's teacher again and ask that a Student Study Team referral be completed.

Student Study Team (SST) Process

Students experiencing academic and/or behavioral problems in the general education program may be referred for discussion to the Student Study Team by anyone having knowledge of their functioning, including: physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, teachers and parents. The referral will be reviewed by the Student Study Team at the local school site.

The Student Study Team is a regular education forum composed of personnel with varying specialties and experience chaired by the principal or designee of the school site. It is the intent of the SST to act as a resource when intervention assistance is sought. The SST may suggest regular program interventions within the classroom and/or support services available to all students.

The Student Study Team may include the following members:

• Assistant principal/Administrator/Designee

• School Psychologist

• School Counselor

• Community Liaison

• Education Specialist

• Reading/Math Intervention Specialist

• General Education Teacher

• Parents

You may be invited to attend the SST meeting, share information about your child's school performance and talk about your concerns. The team may decide that modifications or interventions in the general education program are appropriate to address your child's needs. If so, these modifications or interventions will be written, implemented, and monitored. If these modifications/interventions are not successful, the SST may ultimately recommend additional assessment. Should this be necessary, you will be contacted in order to obtain your informed written consent.