Supporting our students in ocsu Procedures for the Educational Support Team The Educational Support Team (EST) has been an essential element of school systems of support in Vermont as they have developed over the last two decades. The EST continues to serve an important role in a Multi- Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

What does EST stand for? Educational Support Team An EST is a collaborative team that has regularly scheduled meetings. These meetings have shared agendas, identified roles for participants, and norms to ensure that they are safe, ordered and productive.

Why do we have an educational support team (EST)? The EST process Supports classroom Teachers in providing interventions to ensure student success. The EST process supports OCSU’s Vision: “All of our students will have choices for success throughout their lives.” The EST process is required by Vermont law. “As part of its Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), all schools will maintain an Educational Support Team (EST). “ 16 V.S.A. § 2902

What exactly is an “EST”? EST stands for Educational Support Team It acts as a "think tank" to help solve the puzzle of what is happening in school for a student and determine what the student might need to be more successful It creates plans, and monitors the effectiveness of programs, supports, or accommodations. The focus is on what school staff can do differently, such as changing strategies, providing interventions, adjusting the environment, and altering expectations. Credit to AOE mandate, text is from AOE and OCSU website Wordsmithing issues - do we want to be consistent with language from AOE and OCSU site AOE info has been updated- OCSU website has not been updated- powerpoint needs some direction.

Where can I find all of the information i need? The OCSU website is where ALL the forms are! http://www.ocsu.org/est-forms.html

Why should I use the Est? The Problem: You have tried different strategies to help the student succeed, and these strategies are not working as planned. Next Steps: -EST provides an opportunity to collaborate with others. -Teachers share a student’s strengths and weaknesses and the classroom routines or tools that support student success. -Teachers collect and share data about a student’s progress, documenting growth over time. -During an EST meeting, teachers brainstorm possible interventions.

Who in the building is a member of every est? The core members on an EST team: EST Coordinator Classroom teacher(s) School administrator A student’s team also includes: Special Educator Previous Teacher(s) School Counselor/Behaviorist School Psychologist and/or Social Worker Outside agencies or non-school related supports Student/Parent [Membership may be determined by each school/situation.]

When Should I make an EST Referral? When you notice a student who: Has been struggling to make anticipated progress Has declined academically Has emotional or behavioral challenges Has a need for some kind of structured academic intervention or service And you’ve: Already tried some kind of intervention but data shows the intervention is not working Contacted a parent/guardian*

Where can I find all of the information i need? The OCSU website is where ALL the forms are! http://www.ocsu.org/est-forms.html

How does the EST Process work? The process begins when a teacher, staff member, or parent expresses concern. The student’s classroom teachers try intervention strategies and document performance. The teacher refers a student who continues to struggle to the EST. Parents are contacted and invited to a meeting. The team meets to describe a student’s academic, behavioral, or social/emotional struggles. Instructional strategies and supports are brainstormed. Teacher implements intervention strategies.

7. Check in with teachers to gauge student progress based on data. 8. Check in with the student as well as the parents/guardians as necessary. 9. The team schedules a follow-up meeting. 10. The team meets and monitors progress every 6-8 weeks to determine whether or not strategies are working. 11. The plan and goals are modified to support the child. 12. EST plans should continue to be assessed on an individual basis.

USe of Data According to the AOE: When data indicates that a student needs support beyond that which can be provided or sustained through universal instruction, a referral to the school’s EST should be considered. Referrals include information about all accommodations, interventions, and services that have already been in place along with supporting data. If it is determined that the student will receive targeted supports, the EST monitors the student’s progress while receiving the supports and makes determinations regarding entry and exit criteria. The EST may also use available screening data to identify students who would benefit from additional supports.

How do i refer a student for est? Fill out an EST referral form: http://www.ocsu.org/est-forms.html Give this form to your building’s designated EST coordinator.

What things might the team consider? Visits to the nurse Visits to the guidance counselor Attendance Academic/Performance data Behavioral data Mental health Personal history (trauma, etc.) Drug/alcohol use Possible accommodations

Where can I find all of the information i need? The OCSU website is where ALL the forms are! http://www.ocsu.org/est-forms.html

WHat is an est plan? Issue(s) to target Actions to be taken Name:_________________________ OCSU EST PLAN Grade___________________ Meeting Date______________ Referred By_____________ Follow Up Mentor______________________ Issue(s) to target Actions to be taken Person(s) Responsible Frequency/ Duration How will we measure progress and effectiveness of the intervention?

Does an EST lead to special education services? Not necessarily EST can support students that need targeted intervention. EST is a tool used to document data, interventions, discussion, and decisions. EST can provide data that may identify students who need to be referred for a comprehensive evaluation. Another misconception is that an EST is a pre-referral team for special education or that students referred to the EST will be “on a plan” for some indeterminate time. This has led to such unfortunate labels as “tier 2 kid”. Any student may, for a wide variety of reasons, be in need of additional supports at some point. These supports could include supplemental instruction for students who would benefit from a more advanced curriculum. It should also be noted that students who receive special education may be referred to the EST. The presence of a disability does not mean that all needs for additional instruction are due to that disability.

Where can I find all of the information i need? The OCSU website is where ALL the forms are! http://www.ocsu.org/est-forms.html