What is IST ?
The Instructional Support Team (IST) is a team of staff and teacher’s whose goals are to maximize individual student success in the regular classroom, while at the same time serving as a screening process for students who may be in a need of special education services. IST is NOT just another step in the special education classification procedure. IST IS a positive, success-oriented approach, which uses classroom assessment and interventions to help remove educational, behavioral, and/or social-emotional barriers for students struggling in the classroom.
The program shifts the critical question in education from asking "What's wrong with the student?" to asking "What resources can we use to increase the student's chances for success?". IST answers this question through a team approach that provides for greater cohesiveness, coordination, and instructional continuity, and compliments existing curriculum and instructional programs.
Any student who experiences consistent academic, behavioral or social-emotional problems may be a candidate for IST. Students are identified for IST interventions by the classroom teacher, other educators, and/or parents.
Who Are The Members of the IST?
Although members of the IST change on a case-by-case basis, the team always includes the building principal/assistant principal, the student's classroom teacher(s), the school psychologist, and the school counselor. It may also include other service providers (i.e. school nurse, speech therapist, OT, PT) when deemed appropriate based on student need. The parents are encouraged to participate as active partners in the process, as well.
The IST determines what strategies should be implemented to help the student achieve success in the regular classroom. The IST concept is based on team work and collaboration. Each member of the team has input into the decision-making process to determine what methods, learning strategies, or programs best address the student's area(s) of weakness.
How Does IST Work?
The IST process includes the following steps:
1) Identifying a student's need for academic or behavioral support;
2) Determining the strategies needed to assist the student;
3) Implementing intervention strategies and setting goals;
4) Progress monitoring.