Student Support Categories
The Student Support Categories
The NPSS focuses on five categories of evidence-based student supports that together can meet the needs of students today. Research shows that these supports can result in gains in reading and math, high school and college graduation rates, reductions in chronic absenteeism, and improved student well-being and mental health.
High-Impact Tutors
High-Impact Tutors work with students 1:1 or in a small group towards a specific goal. High-impact tutoring responds to individual needs and complements students’ existing curriculum.
High-Impact Tutoring ensures students meet consistently with the same tutor and includes attention to dosage (at least three 30-minute sessions per week), high-quality materials, and instructional practices.
Ratios of students to tutors do not exceed 4:1 and students are grouped by skill level or language if needed. High-impact tutoring can occur during the school day or in OST/summer, with the necessary structures and systems in place to ensure student participation and engagement.
Mentors
Mentors work with young people 1:1 or in groups, facilitating a variety of youth development and enrichment experiences in school, out of school, and over the summer; helping youth explore and affirm their identity and buffer against adversity; and providing navigational support around
school-to-work and school-to-post-secondary transitions.
Mentors guarantee young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and supports and affirms their identity and goals. Ultimately, mentoring connects young people to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.
Post-Secondary Transition Coaches
Post-Secondary Transition Coaches support post-secondary exposure, college search and fit/match, college application creation, financial aid applications, and navigation of post-secondary transitions.
Post-Secondary Transition Coaches are school counselors or community-based organization advisors that support students in:
- Better understanding post-secondary pathway options;
- College list building;
- Financial aid assistance; and
- Successful summer melt prevention interventions.
Student Success Coaches
Student Success Coaches (SSCs) are “near peers” who partner with teachers to provide integrated, relationship-driven social, emotional, academic, and youth development supports to enhance student outcomes and create positive learning environments.
SSCs provide 1:1 tutoring, small group instruction, and social-emotional skill building to students and run enrichment programs and events designed to enhance culture and climate.
SSCs commit significant, consistent time throughout the school year or program cycle. They are fully integrated into the staff
team and may be based in multiple settings, including schools, OST/ afterschool programs, CBOs, and nonprofits.
Wraparound/ Integrated
Student Supports
Wraparound Student Support Coordinators enable schools to build strong connections and systems with community health, mental health, and social service providers; and put school climate plans and multi-tiered systems of support into action.
They work with volunteers, partners, and the local community to provide students with the integrated student supports they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
They facilitate the school-level leadership team and school support teams; develop
school-wide and individual student needs assessments, support plans and implementation; and work to align school-wide goals and student-level goals.
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