SST Intervention Mechanism

Each school that serves general education students in BCPSS has what is called a “Student Support Team” (SST). This is a state mandated intervention team in every public school in the State of Maryland. The SST is typically composed of teachers (both general and special), administrators, external agency representatives, social workers, psychologists, mental health clinicians, nurses, and the Safe and Drug Free school representative. The main purpose of the SST is to develop and help implement prevention and intervention plans for 1) students exhibiting academic and/or behavioral difficulties prior to more severe interventions such as suspension, retention, and referral for special education services, and 2) schoolwide matters such as transitions between classes, inappropriate cafeteria behavior, and other matters impacting school climate. These teams have been trained, provided with numerous resources to assist them in developing and implementing sound, prevention/intervention plans, and are monitored regularly for legal and programmatic effectiveness.

Parents are encouraged to request that the SST mechanism be used to develop intervention plans on behalf of their children if they believe their child is not performing to their potential. Each school has a SST Chairperson, and that individual is prepared to accept referrals from parents. A SST meeting must take place within a week of the parent’s request. Furthermore, if a parent would like strategies for home use, they can request a meeting with their schools’ SST. It is hoped that parents will consider using the intervention services of the SST before taking other actions. Often, the SST can assist classroom teachers in identifying student strengths, and can successfully develop and implement alternative strategies that yield more progress for individual students without resorting to more severe intervention approaches.