Frequently Asked Questions
- What Do Social Workers Do?
- What Do School Psychologists Do?
- What is Social Emotional Learning?
- What is a SST?
- What is CST?
- What is an IEP?
- What is a 504?
- What is Bullying?
What Do Social Workers Do?
School social workers are an integral link between school, home, and community in helping students achieve academic success. They work directly with school administrations as well as students and families, providing leadership in forming school discipline policies, mental health intervention, crisis management, and support services. As part of an interdisciplinary team to help students succeed, social workers also facilitate community involvement in the schools while advocating for student success. (National Association of Social Work).
What Do School Psychologists Do?
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. (National Association of School Psychologists).
What is Social Emotional Learning?
“Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL programming is based on the understanding that the best learning emerges in the context of supportive relationships that make learning challenging, engaging and meaningful.
Social and emotional skills are critical to being a good student, citizen and worker; and many risky behaviors (e.g., drug use, violence, bullying and dropping out) can be prevented or reduced when multiyear, integrated efforts are used to develop students' social and emotional skills. This is best done through effective classroom instruction; student engagement in positive activities in and out of the classroom; and broad parent and community involvement in program planning, implementation and evaluation.” (casel.org).
What is a SST?
A SST or Student Support Team is comprised of educators and specialized school personnel who identify students' skill deficits and implement interventions targeting these skills. When students' skills improve, their intervention ceases when it is no longer needed. If students continue to demonstrate significant needs after a second intervention, they may be referred to the Child Study Team (CST).
What is CST?
A Child Study Team (CST) is an educational evaluation team comprised of special education teachers, school psychologists, speech/language clinicians, autism specialists, occupational therapists, additional specialists, and administrative staff to determine students' eligibility for special education services. If a student qualifies for services, the team develops an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an important legal document. It spells out your child’s learning needs, the services the school will provide and how progress will be measured. Learn more at Understood.org.
What is a 504?
Columbia Heights Public Schools complies with the requirements of Section 504 of the Human Rights Act and are committed to providing accommodations for students in our schools. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Fact Sheets provide information on protections against discrimination because of a disability and the right to appropriate accommodations. Learn More.
What is Bullying?
“Bullying” means any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture, or pattern thereof, by a student that is intended to cause or is perceived as causing distress to a students or group of students and which substantially interferes with another student’s or students’ educational benefits, opportunities, or performance.
The staff of Columbia Heights Public Schools are committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Our school works to ensure that all students have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential and share a personal and meaningful bond with people in the school community. If students feels they are a victim of bullying, they should tell their teacher or an adult immediately. The school staff with work with the student to maintain confidentiality and privacy. All reports will be investigated and consequences will be given for each infraction.