SAC Student Support Services 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student returns to school after a psychiatric hospitalization. Which action should the SAC take FIRST?
- Refer the student for special education evaluation immediately
- Coordinate a reentry meeting with school staff, family, and the treatment team (Correct answer)
- Place the student on homebound instruction for 30 days as a precaution
- Notify all of the student's teachers about the hospitalization in detail
Correct answer: Coordinate a reentry meeting with school staff, family, and the treatment team
A reentry meeting ensures a smooth transition by coordinating the needs identified during hospitalization with school-based supports.
Question 2: The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework organizes interventions into tiers. Which statement about Tier 2 is MOST accurate?
- Tier 2 consists of intensive, individualized interventions for students with the most complex needs
- Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group interventions for students not responding to universal supports (Correct answer)
- Tier 2 is reserved for students who have received formal special education evaluations
- Tier 2 focuses exclusively on academic supports and does not address social-emotional needs
Correct answer: Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group interventions for students not responding to universal supports
Tier 2 targets students who need more than universal supports but do not yet require intensive individualized intervention.
Question 3: A parent requests that their child's mental health records shared with the SAC be forwarded to a new school district. Which law governs the release of these records?
- HIPAA, because mental health records are always protected medical information
- FERPA, because the records are part of the student's educational record (Correct answer)
- ADA, because the records relate to a disability-related service
- IDEA, because the records document a student support service
Correct answer: FERPA, because the records are part of the student's educational record
When mental health records are incorporated into the student's educational record, FERPA governs their disclosure and transfer.
Question 4: A SAC suspects a student is being neglected based on persistent hunger, poor hygiene, and fatigue. What should the SAC do?
- Discuss the concern with the parent first to avoid a false report
- Wait for the student to confirm neglect before filing a report
- File a mandated reporter complaint with child protective services (Correct answer)
- Refer the student to the school nurse and document observations for 30 days
Correct answer: File a mandated reporter complaint with child protective services
SACs are mandated reporters and must report reasonable suspicion of neglect to child protective services without prior investigation or parental notification.
Question 5: Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for evaluating the effectiveness of a school-based substance use prevention program?
- Number of students referred to the SAC for counseling sessions
- Pre- and post-program data on student knowledge, attitudes, and use rates (Correct answer)
- School graduation rates compared to the national average
- Number of disciplinary referrals in the school during the program period
Correct answer: Pre- and post-program data on student knowledge, attitudes, and use rates
Pre- and post-program data directly measure changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors the prevention program targets.
Question 6: A student with a history of substance use is being discharged from an outpatient treatment program. The SAC's MOST important role is to:
- Ensure the student signs a no-use contract before returning to school
- Coordinate with the treatment provider to develop a school-based relapse prevention plan (Correct answer)
- Request that the student attend an alternative school to avoid triggers
- Inform the student's peer group so they can provide accountability support
Correct answer: Coordinate with the treatment provider to develop a school-based relapse prevention plan
Coordination between the treatment provider and school SAC ensures continuity of care and a targeted relapse prevention plan within the school setting.
Question 7: Which scenario best illustrates the principle of 'least restrictive environment' (LRE) under IDEA?
- A student with a learning disability is placed in a self-contained special education classroom full-time
- A student with autism is educated alongside general education peers with appropriate supports and services (Correct answer)
- A student with an emotional disability is transferred to an alternative school immediately upon diagnosis
- A student with a physical disability attends all classes via video link from home
Correct answer: A student with autism is educated alongside general education peers with appropriate supports and services
LRE requires that students with disabilities be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate, with supplementary aids and services.
SAC Student Support Services 3
A student returns to school after a psychiatric hospitalization.
Which action should the SAC take FIRST?