| The purpose of this study is to determine how classroom teachers and SST members view the effectiveness of Middle School Student Service Teams (SSTs) in Cecil County, Maryland. The study also plans to identify effective practices that schools could use in order to have an effective SST. Four research questions were developed for this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. Instruments included effectiveness surveys for SST members (N=60) and for teachers (N=290). Follow-up interviews for SST members were also conducted (N=6). Response rates for the SST survey were 75% while the teacher survey generated a rate of 60%. Results indicated that SST members view the logistics of SST (meeting consistency, e.g.), first steps in their meeting process (problem identification, e.g.), and participation among team members as effective. In addition, conferencing with students was identified as the most successful intervention used by the team. Teacher and parent involvement, and staff development provided by the county administration were not effective. In addition, output of students in areas of behavior and academics was difficult for SSTs to determine. Teachers perceive SSTs as less effective, and cite lack of input, follow-up, and staff development from the team. |
