What is the primary intention of conducting a CST meeting?

The primary intention of conducting a Child Study Team (CST) meeting is to evaluate student needs and develop appropriate support. CST meetings are crucial for collaborating among educators, specialists, and parents or guardians to identify the specific challenges a child may be facing in the educational environment.

During these meetings, various assessments and data regarding the student's academic performance, social-emotional health, and other relevant factors are reviewed. This collaborative process ensures that the team can comprehensively understand the student’s needs, enabling the development of targeted support strategies. The goal is to create an individualized plan that accommodates the student's unique learning requirements, ensuring they receive the necessary interventions and resources for success.

This focus on evaluation and support distinguishes the CST meeting's objectives from merely discussing classroom management strategies, deciding on instructional methods without context, or solely reviewing academic progress reports. These activities may be components of the broader conversation, but the core purpose remains centered on understanding and addressing the student's overall needs.