Instructional Support Teams*
Instructional Support Teams* (ISTs) are school-based teams of educators who support classroom teachers in facilitating the inclusion of learners who are struggling academically, behaviorally, and/or socially in school.
These collaborative, school-based teams share expertise that empowers teachers to meet individual student needs. Currently these teams have different names, including Child Study Team and Student Study Team.
ISTs are based on the following seven principles:
· All students learn.
· The student-educator relationship within the general education classroom is critical.
· A problem-solving community is the foundation for professional and student learning.
· The instructional match and setting are the focus of problem solving.
· As professionals, educators, are entitled to job-embedded learning that involves consultation, collaboration, and coaching.
*Adapted from Dale Pennell’s work out of the William & Mary School of Education