Cromwell ESS Program Reports High Use and Early Academic Gains in First Marking Period
Summary
External Student Support (ESS) providers reported 670 therapeutic sessions to 27 students in marking period 1, average 3.5 therapeutic services per student per week, and noted improvements in GPA and attendance for many participating students.
The external provider team presenting ESS (tier 3 clinical services) to the Cromwell Board reported high utilization during the first marking period and early positive signals in academic and attendance measures.
Erin Chanel, regional clinical director, said the program delivered 670 therapeutic services to 27 students—about 3.5 therapeutic contacts per student per week—with an additional total of 1,145 services when collateral contacts, meetings and case management were included. Chanel said roughly 58 percent of academically struggling students showed meaningful improvement, attendance improved for about 60 percent of chronically absent students, and about half of students with disciplinary histories showed improvement.
Chanel cautioned that some figures reflect averages across a small set of high‑need students and that disciplinary measures may fluctuate as clinicians hold students accountable. Board members asked how students are identified and how tiering works; presenters described a referral process routed through school administrative teams and MTSS/Student Assistance Teams, and explained that tier 3 is the highest level of school‑based support, often including clinical wraparound services and coordination with outside providers.
Board members asked about month‑to‑month service patterns; presenters said August numbers are lower because the month contained few school days and that academic pressures can change service demand over time. The board did not take any formal action; administrators said they would continue monitoring outcomes and report updates.
