After the IST, the teacher will work with the student to ensure all strategies are implemented as discussed in the IST. The teacher will reach out to the Inclusion Consultant and the Principal for support. Only after careful deliberation with the teacher and the Principal, and continuing to confront and challenge bias or barriers regarding the student and or assessment practices, if it is determined that the strategies are all being implemented with limited success, the teacher may present the student to the School Support Team (SST).
In addition to school staff, this team offers additional knowledge by including psychologists, social workers, attendance counsellors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, parents or caregivers and students over 16 years of age.
Parents are the most valuable partner in a child’s education. Although parental attendance at the IST and SST meetings is not mandatory, we encourage them to participate. If parents cannot attend, they will be informed about any plan of action recommended at the meeting to address their child’s needs.
When a member of the TDSB’s professional support services attends the meeting, such as a psychologist or social worker, parental permission is required if the student is to be discussed by name.
Students over 16 years of age are also encouraged to participate and must be consulted. Students 18 years of age or older must be invited to attend the SST and give permission for their personal information to be shared with their parents.
The SST may recommend a referral to the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC).