What is the primary focus of the Child Study Team (CST) when assessing students?

The primary focus of the Child Study Team (CST) is to identify educational needs and appropriate interventions for students. This approach emphasizes understanding the specific challenges and strengths of each student to develop tailored strategies and resources that support their learning. The CST collaborates with educators, parents, and specialists to assess the unique requirements of students, particularly those who may be at risk or have learning disabilities.

By concentrating on educational needs, the CST ensures that the interventions can effectively address any barriers to learning, thereby promoting academic success. This process may involve gathering information from various sources, such as standardized assessments, observations, and input from teachers and parents, to create comprehensive profiles that guide intervention planning.

While other aspects, such as academic grade levels, general intelligence, and emotional health, may be considered during the assessment process, they are not the primary focus. The aim is not solely about measuring what a student can achieve academically or determining their IQ, but rather about understanding how to best support their journey in the educational environment.