SAP Bulletin 5: Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Student Assistance Programs: Helping to Close the Achievement Gap

Background

What do we do when a student is not engaged in instruction or there are obvious social and emotional barriers to learning? Most teachers try to intervene and assist the student. However, teachers may need help to determine just what kind of instruction and intervention is needed. MTSS is a framework that combines positive behavioral supports and Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtI²) to support the whole child. It aligns the entire system of initiatives, resources, and supports to provide tiered interventions to support the academic, emotional and social needs of all students.   

How a Student Assistance Program Can Help

Student Assistance Program (SAP) can be used as a Tier 2 intervention within a MTSS. SAPs provide a process for teachers and school staff to identify the source of a problem and take steps to resolve the problem within the classroom or in school. SAPs allow school professionals to discuss when and what student interventions are needed based on a cycle of inquiry and data analysis. The early classroom instructions and/or social, emotional and behavioral supports are then assessed regularly to see whether they are working. SAPs provide a structure for case management and feedback so school staff can continually collaborate with other professionals and respond to students’ needs.