Student Assistance Programming
Student Assistance Programming: Creating Positive Conditions for Learning
Student Assistance Programming (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to create positive conditions for learning. SAP is designed to address various conditions that impact learning (see below) so that students may maximize their potential and succeed in school and beyond. Student Assistance Programming:
- provides a framework and process for managing the continuum of social, emotional, and mental health supports for all students and intervention for those in need.
- engages students and parents at each level of prevention, intervention and support services.
- offers a systematic and flexible approach for integrating and sustaining evidence-based practices, programs and strategies to enhance a positive school climate and safe school environment.
- builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with multiple community stakeholders – e.g., law enforcement agencies, community service boards, other behavioral health service providers, social services, the faith community, youth and family service organizations, prevention councils.
- uses a data-driven decision making process conducted by a planning team in each school to assess needs and monitor interventions.
- changes priorities as determined by relevant data and review of existing plans, curriculum, practices, programs and strategies.
Student Assistance Programming: Creating Positive Conditions for Learning Manual (PDF)
Conditions that Impact Learning
- Alcoholism
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Community violence
- Depression
- Death of a parent or sibling
- Domestic violence
- Dropout & truancy
- Eating disorders
- Family mobility
- Homelessness
- Illegal drug use
- Incarcerated parent
- Mental illness
- Moving to a new school
- Military deployment
- Parental discord
- Parental divorce
- Parent job loss
- Post-traumatic stress
- Poverty
- Serious family illness
- Sexual abuse
- Tobacco use
- Other