Student Assistance Services

Student Assistance Services means services that prevent or alleviate problems that interfere with student learning. The basic components of Student Assistance Services are: 1.) prevention 2.) assessment 3.) intervention and 4.) referral. For a more complete description of these services that are required of every accredited school, see Section 5 of the Indiana State Board of Education's Administrative Rule on Student Services.

The Student Assistance Services Program Guide is a great resource for practical ideas, forms, laws and free supplemental materials. Click on the Guide to download it now. Contact asnobarg@doe.in.gov with questions.

Student Assistance Services must be coordinated by a certified school counselor, psychologist or social worker. The components of Student Assistance Services are common to the three professions, although each have their own particular strengths or emphases. See the discipline specific web pages for each service.

School Counseling

School Psychology

School Social Work

While the state rule does not require that Student Assistance Services be provided through a team approach, the Office of Student Services believes that the team approach increases accountability and effectiveness. Student Assistance Summer Team Training has been offered for the past several years.

One of the best web sites available on the issue of intervention services in schools is the National Center for Mental Health in the Schools. Excellent resources and links. A must see.