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Research Highlights

Models and Classroom Instruction
   --EBASS
   --PAM
   --SPARK
   --TAT

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Events

Models: Teacher Assistance Teams (TAT)

Teacher Assistance Teams (TAT) are designed to support the regular education teacher who needs strategies and support for students who exhibit academic, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. The goal of the TAT is to maximize the student's success in the regular education classroom thereby decreasing the probability that a student will be referred to special education. The TAT is a comprehensive approach that uses an interdisciplinary team consisting of teachers, psychologists, social workers, specialists, parents, and counselors to problem solve to improve students' academic and behavioral outcomes. The TAT team members meet, brainstorm strategies to meet identified goals, and develop an action plan that includes a time to reconvene to check the student's progress and evaluate the plan. The TAT meets regularly to assist classroom teachers in planning and implementing strategies that are designed to produce success for the referred student. The TAT is a compilation of all the supports available in a school to adapt programs to meet a student's needs instead of placing the child in pre-established models. In some instances, the TAT is viewed as a "push-in" model instead of a "pull-out" model because it gives the child greater access to the general education curriculum. The TAT takes into consideration the total school ecology and its impact on a student's teaching and learning. The TAT process comprises assessment and intervention procedures that ensure that the student receives an effective instructional program that will meet his or her learning needs.

TAT Process

• TAT is a multi-step process with guided time lines.
• Any staff member or parent may request TAT assistance for a child.
• After receiving the request for assistance, the referring teacher contacts the parent.
• The teacher meets with the requesting teacher to discuss concerns and make a plan for assessment.
• The TAT gathers data, conducts informal assessments such as curriculum-based assessments (CBAs), and analyzes the information.
• A goal is established for the student.
  

Skill Areas that may be addressed through the TAT

• Improve mathematics skills
• Identify letters and numbers
• Increase word-attack skills
• Increase student's sight-word vocabulary
• Improve reading comprehension
• Increase reading level
• Improve writing skills
• Increase time on task
• Build self-confidence
• Improve relationships with peers
• Improve self-control
• Develop listening skills
• Improve study skills
  

Teacher Assistance Team (TAT)
http://www.nassp.org/news/bltn_tchr_asst901.html

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