Policy Overview

SAP Process

• Phase 1 (Referral) 

Suppose a student demonstrates concerning behavior, such as a sudden drop in grades, aggression, social withdrawal, or frequent unexplained absences, etc. In that case, they may be referred to SAP by a teacher or staff member. This referral marks the first phase of SAP’s four-stage process. Once a formal SAP referral is submitted, the SAP team is notified and begins its review process. After reviewing the referral, a SAP Team Manager, typically a trained school staff member, is assigned to the case.

• Phase 2 (Data-Collection)

During Phase 2, the SAP team gathers information from multiple sources to build a comprehensive picture of the student’s experience. They review behavior checklists and gather academic, attendance, disciplinary, and other relevant data. Data collection is necessary to ensure the student’s behavior is not addressed based on assumptions, but on an understanding of the underlying factors affecting the child’s well-being. Before the case manager can meet directly with the student and enact an action plan, the Case Manager must first obtain parental consent. Once consent is obtained and data reviewed, Phase 3 (Action Planning) begins.

• Phase 3 (Action Planning)

Using the collected data, the team works together with the student and their family to create an action plan in Phase 3 of the SAP process. The SAP team then identifies the best school and community resources that would best support the student. SAP does not diagnose or treat mental health/substance abuse disorders. Therefore, the SAP liaison helps determine if the student may need a screening or assessment for mental health or substance use. If it is determined that screening or assessment is necessary, parental consent must be obtained. Next, the action plan is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it is data-driven, measurable, and achievable, allowing the team to track the student’s progress over time. After the action plan is completed and the student is connected with the appropriate resources, the SAP team moves into Phase 4 (Follow-Up)

• Phase 4 (Follow-up)

Following the action plan, the SAP team regularly checks in with the student, family, and referring staff to make sure the plan is working effectively. The student’s progress is monitored, and the action plan is adjusted as needed based on the student’s evolving needs. When the student demonstrates long-term/sustained improvement, and their needs have been met, the SAP team closes the case. Once the case is closed, A final PDE 4092 form is completed. The PDE-4092 form documents essential information, including the initial referral details, data collected, interventions or supports provided, any screenings or assessments conducted, the student’s progress over time, and the reason for case closure.