This semester, staff members in all MMSD schools are learning about new SIMS software. The Student Intervention Monitoring System, or SIMS, is an interactive software program - created by the MMSD - that allows staff to maintain records and share information about strategies tried to support students who are struggling in school as well as the student's progress.

The target audience for the initial overview training in middle and high schools included administrators, Student Services staff, Learning Coordinators, and behavior coaches.

At the elementary school level, administrators, Instructional Resource Teachers, and a representative of the Student Support and Intervention team were provided overview training. This group will introduce SIMS to all elementary staff members during staff development time on April 16.

All schools will use SIMS with some students this spring, with full implementation expected in the fall.

SIMS draws information from Infinite Campus (the student information system) to identify students who need additional support in engagement (attendance K-12), learning (math and language arts K-5), and relationships (behavior K-12).

The web-based tool includes initial suggestions for interventions which staff can select and also allows school staff to design something unique for a specific student. The student's progress in response to the interventions provided is carefully monitored to determine whether the intervention is successful and should be continued or whether something new should be tried.

This information is automatically available to staff when a student enrolls in a new school or changes teachers within a school. An emphasis is placed on early intervening services to remove barriers to learning and prevent student frustration and failure.

SIMS also includes the Checklist for Culturally Responsive Practices in Schools which uses inquiry and reflection to ensure that intervention strategies implemented consider the student's culture, previous experiences, and other external factors that may be affecting the student's performance.

Funding for the project was made available through grants from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.