The SST is a group formed within the school to further examine a student's academic, behavioral and social-emotional progress. The SST team can propose interventions for the student. The team usually consists of a teacher, administrator, and support personnel from the school. Sometimes a special education teacher will also participate to give his or her perspective. The student and parent are also a part of the team.
The SST meeting provides everyone with an opportunity to share concerns and develop a plan. Either a staff member or parent can make a referral. The interventions agreed upon will vary depending on the child's educational needs.
If your child is struggling in school, the SST team tries to determine if it is due to a specific learning disability or another cause such as a social or behavioral issue, medical condition, language barrier, or other issue affecting a child's performance.
If the SST team believes that the child could have a specific learning disability, they may recommend a formal special education evaluation.
The student success team may also decide to refer your child for a Section 504 evaluation. Here, you can also receive modifications. A 504 plan is typically used for a child who has a medical condition and requires accommodations in order to achieve academic success.
The SST Team documents its meeting using the following form, which is distributed to parents afterward. The form, most importantly, records the "action items" that will occur as a result of the meeting to best support the student.