Student Success Planning: A Personalized Approach
Chattanooga, TN- Student Success Planning (SSP) creates individualized plans for students that address their unique strengths and needs through goal setting and connections both in and out of school. This strategy emphasizes two of the district’s core beliefs: (1) Well-being is essential to students’ ability to succeed and (2) It is a community responsibility to reduce barriers limiting student success.
SSP teams, consisting of school counselors, social workers, nurses, family partnership specialists, community school coordinators, and administrators collaborate with teachers, instructional coaches, students, and families to identify each child’s strengths, interests and needs. By addressing not just academics but also physical and mental wellness, SSP takes a holistic approach to student support. Jill Hall, Principal at Daisy Elementary School, highlights SSP’s importance: “It’s essential for students to connect with peers and adults in the building. At Daisy Elementary, we work to empower every learner to thrive by providing personalized support, recognizing achievements, and nurturing strengths. For some, that means addressing direct needs like a toothache or glasses; for others, it’s joining activities like volleyball or our Lego club. By knowing each student individually, we build the relationships that support lifelong success.”
We know that schools cannot do this work alone. Student Success Planning is the best way for organizations in Hamilton County, from out-of-school time and experiential learning partners to healthcare, housing, and emergency-needs service providers, to support families and staff in responding to unique needs and systemic barriers that hinder student belonging, wellbeing, and growth. Each student is assigned an SSP plan manager who monitors their progress toward goals such as improving attendance, enhancing responsible decision-making skills, strengthening their relationship skills, or accessing key resources. Plan managers work with the SSP team and families to connect students to the right opportunities. Identifying additional partners to directly participate in the SSP process is one of the goals of the district team this school year.
Since its launch in 2019 with eight pilot schools, SSP has expanded significantly. As of this school year, 64 schools are implementing the strategy, with full implementation across all schools planned for the 2025-2026 school year. Currently, 32,523 students have an up-to-date plan which collectively represents 77,220 goals. Eleanor Weaver, a School Counselor at East Ridge Middle School, shares, "SSP brings together all the major players in our students' school lives, connecting them and their families with the resources and opportunities they need to not only succeed in school but also to love being there." This tailored approach ensures that students build meaningful relationships, have access to essential resources, and feel more connected to their school and the community.
SSP’s primary goal is to capture each student’s strengths, interests, and needs, matching them with tailored support and opportunities. By focusing on the whole child, SSP empowers every student to thrive. This strategy reinforces the belief that intentional planning and collaboration can help every child succeed. With full district implementation on the horizon, SSP is paving the way for a transformative future where schools, families, and our community come together to ensure each and every student belongs and is equipped to achieve their full potential.