What is the Student Assistance Program?

 

 

Student assistance program (SAP) provide comprehensive school-based prevention, intervention, and support services to address non-academic concerns that impact learning. The goal is to eliminate barriers to learning so that students may achieve academically and socially.

 

SAP Teams are comprised of a combination of school personnel and community agencies that work together to serve student needs in a professional and caring manner. All team members are trained by a Commonwealth approved training provider and adhere to accountable standards, policies, and procedures adopted by the local school board.

 

Typical reasons for referral include: behavioral problems, mental health issues, substance abuse and family conflicts. The SAP team works to identify and assess the student's specific needs, providing immediate support and referral to appropriate resources.

 

A team of professionals including the school nurse, counselor, teachers, administrators and psychologist are on call 24 hours a day to assist students, parents and staff in addressing and responding to student related concerns. These individuals have received specialized, professional training to address issues of emotional, social and/or legal concern.

 

Referrals to the Student Assistance Program are made by educators, guidance counselors, nurses, administrators and parents who have personal or professional knowledge about a child's academic and/or behavioral difficulties. The SAP team members are all trained and certified by the state to receive sensitive information about students and their families in a confidential, caring and supportive manner.

 

The SAP Provider gathers objective data from school personnel that interact with the student and collects information from the parent to develop a plan for removing learning barriers to success. This planning is based on state guidelines, professional standards and accountability measures that have been in place since 1988.

 

This plan is designed to remove learning barriers to academic and personal success, promote school academies, and link the student with in-school and/or community based support systems. The team may also recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment.

 

Individual Sessions - Each session is limited to 30 minutes and usually takes place once per week for 6-8 weeks. Each member of the team will meet with each student one-on-one and discuss their individual academic, behavioral or social concerns.

 

In addition to the individual sessions, the team will offer educational peer support groups and Skills Crush. The Skills Crush is an opportunity for students to practice a skill they are struggling with, such as test anxiety, social skills or dealing with conflict. A member of the SAP team will work with the student one-on-one to practice the skill during a Study Hall.

 

A student who is a resident of New York State and is enrolled in an undergraduate degree normally requiring five years or less (HEOP) at LIU is eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program. The amount of the award will depend on the number of credits the student is taking and their financial need. To apply for TAP, you must complete the FAFSA.

 

TAP is a grant that does not have to be paid back. It is administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation and is available to students who are enrolled full or part time in an approved college program in New York State.For a general overview of this topic, click here:https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/student-services.