What is a School Resource Team?
A School Resource Team (SRT) is a school-based team that meets regularly to discuss strategies and supports for students.
When is a student referred to the SRT?
A referral is made when a student requires additional support or is having difficulty at school, the classroom teacher starts the problem-solving process. This should involve consultation with parents, other staff in the school including the special education teacher, and the in-school team. School staff may suggest academic accommodations or other strategies to support the student. When it is deemed that additional expertise should be involved in the problem-solving process, the student is referred to the SRT.
When a student is referred to the SRT, parents will be contacted for their consent and to be invited to participate in the SRT meeting. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend all SRT meetings and participate in making recommendations to support their child.
What is my role as a parent?
Parents are an active participant in the SRT and are welcome to contribute to the discussion and ask questions.
Who is on the SRT?
The School Resource Team is comprised of school staff, parents, professional services staff (Psychoeducational Consultants, Child and Youth Counsellors, School Social Workers, Speech/Language Pathologists) and others as appropriate.
Members of Elementary SRT:
- Principal, Vice-principal, or designate
- Teacher
- SERT (Special Education Resource Teacher)
- Psychoeducational Consultant
- Child and Youth Counsellor
- Other resource staff as needed
Members of Secondary SRT:
- Principal, Vice-principal, or designate
- Student Services (Guidance)Teacher
- SERT (Special Education Resource Teacher)
- Psychoeducational Consultant
- School Social Worker
- Other resource staff as needed
What happens at a School Resource Team meeting?
SRT meetings are conducted in an informal atmosphere. One of the school-based staff will chair the meeting and will introduce everyone present, and explain the purpose of the meeting. One of the SRT members will provide an overview of the situation to be discussed. Others, including parents, are asked to provide information. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and join in the discussion.
At the end of the SRT there will likely be some agreed upon recommendations. These may include but are not limited to the following:
- suggested instructional strategies to support a student
- suggested behavioural or social/emotional supports for a student
- recommendation that further testing or a formal assessment be completed
- recommendation that an Individual Education Plan (IEP) be developed for a student
- recommendation that a student be referred to the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) for formal identification as an exceptional student or a change in placement.
- recommendation about community support options for a student/family
What happens after the SRT?
After the SRT, the recommendations of the SRT are implemented, monitored over a period of time and then reviewed. Information on the student's progress will be communicated between family and school. There may be additional SRT meetings as required.
For additional information contact:
Special Education Department
New Street Education Centre
3250 New Street, Burlington, ON L7N 1M8
905-631-6120