Child Study Team
The Child Study Team (CST) is an ideal forum for assisting students. CST is a regular education function that is designed to assist classroom teachers in meeting students' academic needs. The Saint Thomas the Apostle School Child Study Team members consist of the Resource teacher, referring classroom teacher, and when possible, the Administration. These members are joined by a Grand Rapids Public Schools teacher consultant and/or a school psychologist.
How the GRPS Special Education Team Works with CST
- A monthly meeting, usually held over lunch, is scheduled between the Resource Teacher, Administration, and GRPS members.
- Parents are able to voice their concerns and bring their student forward to the Child Study Team; however, they must voice these concerns through their students' classroom teacher.
- When a teacher has a concern, either personal or by request of the parent, he/she will contact the Resource Teacher to be added to the next available meeting agenda.
- Prior to each monthly meeting, an agenda is created. Each teacher is assigned a 15-30 minute time frame to talk with the members of the CST. The referring teacher attends the meeting and brings student work samples, observation notes, specific questions to ask, etc. The Resource teacher supplies copies of all other pertinent paperwork.
- After meeting with the classroom teacher, the GRPS Team and Resource Teacher will determine a course of action that may include:
- Recommendations to the teacher to try within the classroom
- GRPS team member observation of the student
- Resource Teacher observation of the student
- GRPS Academic Screening
- GRPS Behavioral Screening
Depending on the recommendations, parent contact is made and forms will be sent home to parents. These forms may include: teacher information form, parent questionnaire, and/or Parent Permission to Screen. When all of the forms are returned, the appropriate service will be scheduled.
EXCEPTION - Students that ONLY have a Speech and Language (SPL) articulation concern, can be brought forward directly to the GRPS Speech Teacher that is assigned to the building through the Resource Teacher. If a student needs a speech (articulation) screen, they are not brought forward to the CST or follow the above protocol. Teachers can make a request for an informal speech screen through the Resource Teacher and with parent permission. Parents can also talk with the Resource Teacher and request a speech screening.