Integrated systems of support

Key Practice 6

Integrated systems of support promote healthy learning and development and foster individual and collective well-being using an assets based approach to nurture and strengthen students, families and the community. ISS provide a range of services and supports to overcome both academic and non-academic barriers to student’s educational and life success. ISS increase access to essential services and supports and provides preventative care. ISS help mitigate social determinants of health (SDOH), which have a major impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. These impacts can be seen in classrooms and student outcomes. Students receiving supports often show significant improvements in attendance (for example: students miss less school as they are healthier and do not miss the whole day of school for appointments), behavior, social well-being, and academic achievement.