Specialized Student Support Services
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP)
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) provide specialized student support services, which include prevention, intervention, transition and follow-up services for students and families. SISP provide direct services for all children and youth, especially those who are experiencing problems that create barriers to learning. Direct services are provided through education, counseling, consultation, and individual assessment. In addition, SISP provide in-service training, parent education, community collaboration, and carry out student service program management. SISP are a vital part of comprehensive school program success.
School Counseling & Advisement
School counseling programs support the Standards of Learning by providing guidance to students in their academic, career, and social-emotional development. School counselors collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators and others to promote learning and help students establish and achieve their education, career, and personal goals. School counselors provide leadership to ensure that students benefit from effective strategies and services aligned with the Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools.
School Psychology Services
School psychologists provide a variety of professional services to support the academic achievement, positive behavior, and social-emotional wellness of all students, especially those who struggle with barriers to learning. School psychologists play a critical role in supporting the attainment of the goals of local school divisions and help to ensure that every student is ready to learn and every teacher is empowered to teach.
School Social Work Services
School social work services are designed to address social, emotional, economic, and environmental barriers that may interfere with a student’s academic success. Through early identification, prevention, and intervention services, school social workers support the whole student -- his or her needs at home, in school, and in the community.
School Health Services
School health programs in Virginia public schools support the physical and emotional well-being of students through school nursing services, health education covering a range of developmentally appropriate topics and other services that promote a healthy learning environment.
Medicaid in Schools
School divisions can submit reimbursement claims to Medicaid for some services provided to students. These services can be provided by school division employees, contracted employees or contracted agencies.
Featured Resources
The Guidance for the Provision of Specialized Student Support Positions in Virginia Public Schools
The Guidance for the Provision of Specialized Student Support Positions in Virginia Public Schools-This is a PDF document. was developed in response to Senate Bill 1257 to amend and reenact §§ 22.1-253.13:2
and 22.1-274 of the Code of Virginia. It will assist school divisions in meeting this legislation, including defining Specialized Student Support positions, what constitutes “other licensed health and behavioral positions,” and information about funding for the positions.
Student Services Learning Resource Center
The VDOE Office of Student Services has partnered with the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems at Old Dominion University to develop the Student Services Learning Resource Center. This website is a one-stop professional development and resource collection for specialized instructional support personnel such as school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school nurses, and administrators.