System of Care

The philosophy of System of Care originated with the work of Judge Steve Teske of Clayton County, Georgia. Judge Teske recognized a growing epidemic of students placed in the juvenile justice system as the result of minor disciplinary infractions. Equally as troubling as the “why” students are getting in trouble is the “who”. Discipline data throughout the country shows the astounding disproportionality of rates and severity of punishment by race, gender, and socio-economic status in our nation. Coupled with the strong correlation between disciplinary action and the school-to-prison pipeline, Judge Teske has advocated that discipline reform is imperative for our children and the future of our country. He posits that it is through prevention and positive behavior support that we can use discipline as a teaching tool for improving behavior rather than a means of ineffective consequences with potentially detrimental and long-lasting implications.

The leaders of Spring Branch ISD studied the work of Judge Teske and districts that have successfully made vast changes in shifting campus culture and lowering the number of discipline referrals. It was clear that providing students with a positive, safe learning environment is central to making this shift, and therefore, central to the mission of our district in reaching T-2-4. Through comprehensive planning and the guidance of experts in behavior, neurological research, and the study of learning, in the Fall of 2014, the System of Care team in Spring Branch ISD was born. 

The System of Care primarily helps administrators by working with teams at their school to streamline and strengthen a behavioral SSC/STAT/RtI process. We also work with teams to strengthen campus-wide positive frameworks and systems at the campus such as PBIS, CHAMPS, Love and Logic, and more.

What is the role of the Teacher Assistant?

• Assist in implementing the Response to Intervention (RtI) process.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and tools to support social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Communication with administrators, staff, family, and System of Care team.
• Assist in proper classroom management and implement daily schedule.
• Work (face-to-face or virtually) with students individually or in small groups to reinforce social-emotional skills and concepts as determined by the RtI process.

What is the role of the Instructional Specialist – Behavior?

• Provide behavioral intervention supports for students exhibiting Tier II behaviors in conjunction with in-class Care Coach teacher support.
• Students who exhibit Tier III behaviors will be assigned a Behavior Specialist to provide intense applied behavior expertise in modifying student behaviors by:
  • Preventing unwanted behavior
  • Teaching appropriate behavior
  • Positively reinforcing positive behavior
  • Ensuring student safety
• Behavior Specialist will partner with teachers in documenting student behavior and monitor how the strategies used, practices adopted, and resources allocated affect student outcomes.
• If the student’s behavior improves, the Specialist will reinstate Tier I and II protocols until behavior is eliminated. If behavior declines, the interventionist will work in conjunction with the Care Coach to advise the campus regarding next steps for referral.

What is the role of the Care Coach?

• Facilitate scaffolded PBIS implementation across the district, beginning with high needs campuses.
• Support campuses in promoting Tier I positive behavior interventions and a social culture that leads to academic, social, and emotional success.
• Build teacher capacity through PLC’s in areas of need based on behavioral needs assessment results of the Care Coach.
• Provide Tier II teacher observations and supports by modeling and providing in-class training in behavioral management strategies.
• Support administration in developing behavior support plans for students with Tier III behaviors.
• Attend SSC/504 meetings to provide documentation on student evaluation and placement decisions.
• Provide system-wide professional development opportunities.

The System of Care encompasses all of the core values. By working alongside members from each campus, we are leveraging our collective greatness and our collaborative spirit to ensure we are reaching our goal of providing the best learning environment for Every Child.

System of Care is housed in the SBISD West Support Center - 2100 Shadowdale Dr., Houston, TX 77043.

If your campus is requiring support, the campus administrator or admin assistant, can fill out the password protected System of Care Request Form. You can also email your Care Coach directly; to find your school's Care Coach, please look here.