• What is IST?WHAT IS IST?

    As an Instructional Support Teacher, I work with students in small groups or one-on-one to deliver instruction as needed to help students make progress toward meeting specific learning goals.

     IST also stands for the Instructional Support Team, which includes the Instructional Support Teacher, the classroom teacher, the building principal, as well as any of the following educational specialists: School Psychologist, Guidance Counselor, Speech and Language Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Emotional Support Teacher, Title 1 teacher, or ESL teacher.

     

    The team's make-up will vary depending on the needs of the student, however, an integral component of this team is the child's parent(s) or guardian(s). The Instructional Support Team process starts with each team member sharing the child's successes, his/her likes, and how he/she learns best. The team members may share observations of the child's struggles as well, to illustrate where extra help is needed.  All members of the Instructional Support Team contribute according to their own area of specialty.  Together the team makes a decision on how to best assist the child.

    At Park Forest Elementary, the Instructional Support Team meets on Tuesday mornings 1-2 times a month. Teachers or parents can request that the team convenes for a particular student.  A guest teacher is hired to cover the classroom teacher's class for the time that the team is meeting. The decision making is done as a team, revisited regularly, and keeps the best interests of the student in mind.  The Instructional Support Team is a valuable part of our school's support for all students' success.
Last Modified on September 18, 2021