Instructional Support Team (IST)

Committed to the belief that all students can LEARN!

An Approach To Problem-Solving

I.S.T. in our elementary schools is an approach to problem-solving that is driven by a student’s needs.  At the core of the process is the belief that all students can learn and that all students matter.  I.S.T. maximizes the teaching resources within schools by blending the best of regular and special education in a systematic search for what works.

What it IST?  The Instructional Support Team process is designed to identify students who are experiencing academic, communication, behavioral, and/or social and emotional difficulties.  The I.S.T. process provides students with the support necessary to experience success.

How does it work?  Once a teacher requests I.S.T. assistance, the team will meet to do the following:

• Identify the student’s need for academic or behavioral help
• Develop strategies to assist the student
• Implement intervention strategies and monitor progress

If the Instructional Support Team reports progress, the student may exit the program with support.  If a student’s needs cannot be met in a regular classroom, the child is then referred for further evaluation and assistance.  The I.S.T. process is completed within sixty school days.

Who is on the team?  The I.S.T. includes the following individuals:

• Building principal or designee
• Student’s classroom teacher
• Support teacher
• Parents or guardians
• School guidance counselor

Other school staff members may also serve on the team, depending on the student’s needs.  These could include other teachers, reading recovery teacher, Title I teacher, intervention teacher, speech therapist, psychologist, or nurse.

Are parents involved?  One of the most important team members in the I.S.T. process is the parent.  Their involvement includes:

• An initial interview
• Attendance at team meetings
• Input through an action plan
• Responsibility for implementing various strategies in the home

What are the benefits?  The I.S.T. approach to solving classroom problems is advantageous at many levels:

The Team Process – encourages school, home and students to work together

Parent Involvement – allows parents to take an active role in both developing an action plan and implementing strategies at home