SLLA SLLA Student Support and Wellbeing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A principal is developing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. What is the PRIMARY purpose of Tier 1 within this system?
- To provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction and support for all students (Correct answer)
- To deliver intensive individualized interventions for the most struggling students
- To identify students who need special education evaluations
- To provide targeted small-group support for at-risk students only
Correct answer: To provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction and support for all students
Tier 1 in MTSS is the universal foundation of high-quality core instruction and school-wide supports designed to meet the needs of approximately 80% of students.
Question 2: When supporting students experiencing trauma, which school-wide approach is MOST aligned with current best practices?
- Implementing trauma-informed practices that build safety, trust, and resilience across all school settings (Correct answer)
- Identifying traumatized students and removing them from general education classrooms
- Addressing trauma exclusively through individual therapy with the school psychologist
- Focusing on academic remediation to help students overcome the effects of trauma
Correct answer: Implementing trauma-informed practices that build safety, trust, and resilience across all school settings
Trauma-informed practices create a safe and supportive environment for all students and are implemented school-wide rather than in isolation.
Question 3: A student's IEP team recommends a placement in a general education classroom with supports. A teacher resists, saying the student will not succeed. How should the principal respond?
- Reaffirm the legal requirement of least restrictive environment and provide the teacher with professional development and co-teaching support (Correct answer)
- Override the IEP team decision and place the student in a self-contained classroom
- Allow the teacher to exclude the student until the teacher feels prepared
- Reconvene the IEP team to reconsider a more restrictive placement based on the teacher's concerns
Correct answer: Reaffirm the legal requirement of least restrictive environment and provide the teacher with professional development and co-teaching support
The least restrictive environment mandate under IDEA is a legal requirement, and the principal must uphold it while supporting the teacher with the skills needed to serve the student.
Question 4: Which indicator is MOST effective for identifying students at risk of dropping out early enough for intervention?
- Attendance, behavior, and course performance data analyzed together (Correct answer)
- Standardized test scores from the most recent state assessment
- Teacher observations submitted annually during report card preparation
- Disciplinary referral records reviewed at the end of each semester
Correct answer: Attendance, behavior, and course performance data analyzed together
Research identifies attendance, behavior, and course performance (ABCs) as early warning indicators that together predict dropout risk more reliably than any single measure.
Question 5: A school receives funding for a student wellness program. Which approach BEST ensures long-term sustainability and effectiveness?
- Integrating wellness into the school's strategic plan with dedicated staff roles, data monitoring, and community partnerships (Correct answer)
- Purchasing a pre-packaged wellness curriculum and delivering it to all grade levels
- Assigning wellness responsibilities to volunteers who support the school counselor
- Hosting wellness events and assemblies throughout the school year
Correct answer: Integrating wellness into the school's strategic plan with dedicated staff roles, data monitoring, and community partnerships
Sustainability requires structural integration into school planning, dedicated capacity, and ongoing data review rather than reliance on events or external packages alone.
Question 6: A principal is reviewing discipline data and notices that Black and Hispanic students receive out-of-school suspensions at significantly higher rates than other groups. What should the principal do FIRST?
- Analyze the data with staff to understand contributing factors and identify implicit biases in referral patterns (Correct answer)
- Implement a zero-tolerance policy consistently applied to all students
- Increase security staff to better monitor higher-risk students
- Report the data to the district and wait for guidance before acting
Correct answer: Analyze the data with staff to understand contributing factors and identify implicit biases in referral patterns
Disproportionate discipline data requires examining referral patterns with staff to address systemic bias before implementing any changes to policy or practice.
SLLA SLLA Student Support and Wellbeing 2
A principal is developing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of Tier 1 within this system?