For Parents: The SST Process
The Student Support Team (SST) process is a collaborative approach designed to help identify and address students' academic, behavioral, or social-emotional challenges. This process involves a team of educators, specialists, and often the student’s family, working together to create a plan that supports the student’s success.
During an SST meeting, the team discusses the student’s strengths, areas of concern, and any previous interventions or strategies used. Together, they develop a targeted action plan, which might include specific accommodations, additional resources, or referrals for further evaluation if needed.
The SST process is not a special education service but a step toward ensuring every child gets the support they need. Parents play a vital role by sharing insights about their child, asking questions, and staying involved in the plan’s implementation.
The ultimate goal of the SST process is to empower students by addressing their unique needs and fostering their growth in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Here are some steps parents can take during the Student Study Team (SST) process to support their child who may be experiencing difficulties in school:
Before the SST Meeting
Communicate with the Teacher
Speak with your child’s teacher to understand the concerns and gather insights about your child’s strengths and challenges.
Ask about any interventions or strategies already in place and their outcomes.
Review Your Child’s Records
Request copies of your child’s academic, behavioral, and attendance records to identify patterns or areas of concern.
Look for any existing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or prior assessments.
Observe and Document at Home
Take note of any challenges your child faces with homework, organization, or emotional responses to school.
Keep a log of any concerns or behaviors that you notice at home that may relate to the struggles at school.
Prepare Questions and Goals
Write down specific questions you’d like addressed during the SST meeting.
Identify goals for what you’d like to see improved (e.g., better grades, more focus, improved behavior).
During the SST Meeting
Share Your Perspective
Provide information about your child’s strengths, interests, and any challenges you’ve observed at home.
Discuss how your child responds to homework, studying, or other school-related activities.
Collaborate and Listen
Work as a team with school staff to identify possible causes of the difficulties.
Be open to suggestions from teachers, counselors, and other professionals.
Ask for Clarification
Request explanations for any educational terms or processes that you don’t understand.
Ask how suggested interventions will be implemented and monitored.
Understand the Plan
Ensure that the team develops a clear plan of action, including specific interventions, timelines, and who will be responsible for implementation.
Confirm how progress will be measured and how you’ll be updated.
After the SST Meeting
Support the Plan at Home
Implement strategies or activities recommended for home to reinforce what’s being done at school.
Maintain a consistent routine that supports your child’s learning and emotional well-being.
Monitor Progress
Stay in touch with your child’s teacher and SST team to track progress.
Attend follow-up meetings as scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make adjustments if necessary.
Advocate for Additional Support if Needed
If progress is limited, consider requesting additional evaluations to determine if your child may need a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Be proactive about ensuring your child receives the necessary resources and services.
Celebrate Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s progress and achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and motivation.
By actively participating in the SST process, parents can work collaboratively with educators to ensure their child receives the appropriate support to thrive in school.
