Pacific Coast Academy
Who is it for?
Students who have significant SEL or behavioral needs that interfere with learning and social functioning.
Common Indicators:
- Severe anxiety, depression, or emotional outbursts
- Frequent aggressive or unsafe behavior
- Chronic difficulty engaging in learning due to emotional dysregulation
- Ongoing peer conflict or social isolation
- History of trauma, loss, or family instability impacting school behavior
Important:
Tier 3 interventions aim to provide stabilization and intensive support, while maintaining a nurturing, responsive learning experience. These students might later be evaluated for special education if needs are persistent, but Tier 3 SEL interventions can be implemented within general education programming. Tier 3 supports may coincide with support being received through the Student Affairs department.
Types of Tier 3 SEL Support
Small Group Support
Support provided by a Mental Health Professional in a virtual setting with a low student:teacher ratio.
Individual Support
Support provided by a Mental Health Professional in a 1:1 virtual setting.
Behavior Support Plans (BSP)
A structured, written plan formalizing supports and strategies to be implemented across all general education settings with the aim of reducing target problem behaviors and increasing positive, prosocial behaviors.
Crisis/Safety Planning
A structured, written plan to help a student manage a mental health crisis or situation involving risk of harm to themselves or others that outlines strategies, resources and steps to take when experiencing overwhelming emotions.
Receiving Tier 3 SEL Support
Tier 3 SEL support may be recommended when it becomes clear that the nature and intensity of the student's needs require a more individualized approach. Students having difficulty making meaningful progress in SEL labs and with effective Tier 1 supports in place may be recommended by the SEL provider for this level of support via an SST meeting. At times students may also be referred for Tier 3 SEL support when in crisis or when recommended to do so by the Educational Access Advisor.
Monitoring Tier 3 SEL Support
Tier 3 SEL support will primarily be monitored by the SEL provider who will regularly check in with the Learning Coach, HST and other general education providers to monitor student progress over an intervention period. At the end of this period, a follow-up SST meeting will occur to make new recommendations and determine next steps.
Key Words: Tier 3, SEL, social/emotional learning, SEL supports, behavior support plan, BSP, crisis/safety planning, crisis, safety