Supporting Every Scholar
From the Very First Day
At WSA, we believe that when a scholar is not progressing, our first question is always what we can change about our instruction — not what is wrong with the scholar.
“Learning is a function of instruction — not the learner. When a scholar struggles, we look first at what we as educators can do differently.”
WSA Academic Model · Core BeliefEvery school is required to have a system for identifying and supporting scholars who need extra help. At Wayne STEM Academy, that system is called SSIT — the Scholar Support and Intervention Team — and it operates within a framework called MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Support. It is not a special education program. It is how we make sure no scholar falls through the cracks.
A team of WSA educators — led by our Dean of Academics — that reviews a scholar’s data, identifies what type of additional support is needed, and coordinates that support. Parents are always part of this team.
A three-level framework that matches the intensity of support to the level of need. Most scholars receive everything they need at the first level. A smaller group receives additional targeted support. Intensive support is available for those who need it most.
SSIT/MTSS is not a referral to special education. Being placed in a support tier does not label your scholar or follow them forever. It is a temporary, targeted response to a specific need — and it ends when the need is met.
Any scholar at any level can benefit from additional support at any time. SSIT is also the pathway to formal Section 504 or special education evaluation when those may be appropriate.
Think of these levels as concentric circles, not a ladder. Every scholar is always at Level 1. Additional levels are added on top — they never replace what every scholar already receives.
Core Instruction — Every Scholar, Every Day
All scholars receive high-quality Direct Instruction in reading and math, delivered at their exact instructional level through our Walk to Read and March to Math grouping model. Teachers review data every few weeks and adjust instruction in real time. This level serves approximately 80% of scholars fully.
All scholars · Always active · No referral neededSupplemental Support — Additional Targeted Help
When a scholar needs more than core instruction provides, we add a focused 15–45 minute daily block targeting the specific skill of concern. This support is added on top of — never instead of — their regular instruction. Parents are contacted and invited to be part of the support team. Progress is monitored and reviewed every 6–8 weeks.
~15% of scholars · Teacher and SSIT team · Parent involvedIntensive Support — Individualized, Evidence-Based
A small number of scholars need a higher level of individualized support. At this level, the SSIT team — including specialist staff — meets monthly to review the scholar’s progress and adjust the plan. Parents participate in every monthly review. This level is also the point at which a Section 504 or special education evaluation may be considered if appropriate.
~5% of scholars · SSIT team + specialists · Monthly reviewYou are not a bystander in this process. WSA treats parents as full members of the support team at every level.
You will be informed
At Tier 2 and above, you receive a written notification letter before any formal support plan begins. Nothing starts without your knowledge.
You will be invited
Every SSIT meeting includes a parent invitation. Your observations about your scholar at home are important data that the team considers.
You can request a review
You do not have to wait for the school to initiate. You may request an SSIT review — or a formal evaluation for 504 or special education — at any time.
- Written notification before any formal support plan begins at Tier 2 or above
- An invitation to every SSIT meeting that involves your scholar
- Clear, plain-language explanations of what support your scholar is receiving and why
- Regular progress updates based on real data — not just impressions
- The right to request a formal evaluation at any time, independent of tier placement
- All SSIT communication logged and on file — you can request copies at any time
- Respectful, transparent partnership with every member of our team
- Support that ends when the need is met — the goal is always to exit the plan
Every WSA scholar — including those receiving SSIT support — is held to and celebrated for the same values. SSIT support is never about lowering expectations. It is about getting every scholar to a place where they can live these values fully.
If you have any questions about SSIT, your scholar’s support plan, or how to request a review, please reach out directly. There is no question too small and no concern too early to raise.