What Should I Do If My Child Is Having Difficulty At School?

If you are worried about your child's academic, social, emotional, or behavioral progress, the first thing to do is contact the teacher.  Set up a time for a conference to discuss your concerns. Ask the teacher which effective strategies and classroom modifications are working and which ones are not.  Find out if the student should be recommended for extra help at the school.(  Each school site offers before and after school interventions programs, homework clubs, etc.).  Ask the teacher what you can do to support your child at home.  Together develop a plan to help your child be successful and set a time to review this plan.

Second, if the child continues to have difficulties despite these interventions, it is time to request a Student Study Team meeting by contacting your child's teacher.  Student Study Team(SST) is a team of individuals who assist a teacher and a parent when a student continues to experience difficulties.  The SST meets to develop an understanding of the student's strengths and problem areas, review resources and strategies available, and finally to formulate a plan of intervention to resolve those problems in the regular classroom.  Improving student achievement is the focus of the process.   Depending on issues and concerns initially presented, participants may include the Teacher(s), School Psychologist, Resource Specialist, Speech and Language Therapist, Administrator and the parents. 

Prior to the SST meeting, participants will be asked to gather information such as the student's education history, work samples, test results, and other desired information.  As a parent, you can help by sharing information regarding what is happening at home (study habits, time to complete homework, health issues, etc.).

 At the meeting, the team identifies the student's specific needs, possible solutions are developed, and an action plan is put into writing.  This plan includes detailed goals, a time frame for completion of the program changes, the criteria for measuring the effectiveness of the changes, and those responsible for all tasks.

There will be a follow-up meeting.  At that time, the team reviews the student progress.

If your child is still not doing well and the SST suspects your child could have a disability, he/she may be referred for Special Education Testing or Section 504 evaluation.

We are all committed to the success of your child.  Together we will provide the best education possible.  If you have any questions regarding this process, contact your Principal or Student Support Services at 625-7060.