Team-Based Problem Solving

Team-based problem solving involves implementing a collaborative, responsive, and systematic process for understanding and addressing complex problems that are impacting students at the individual, classroom, building, and system levels. 

Essential Features

A written, iterative process for team-based problem solving is in place that serves to address complex problems that are impacting students, including:

  • Problems are identified with precision before discussing solutions.
  • The link between solutions implemented and positive student outcomes is clear.
  • A few targeted and specific solutions are identified and implemented, rather than too many that overextend capacity and sustainability resources.
  • Fidelity data are a component of evaluating outcomes of solution implementation.

An integrated data system is in place and used to document and access student-level academic and non-academic data — represented visually or graphically — and support teams in using and analyzing data together (such as analyzing literacy data alongside attendance data) to inform decision-making.

An integrated teaming structure is in place, including:

  • Engagement of multiple perspectives within a structured team dialogue
  • Regular attendance and roles assigned so that members know what is expected
  • Predictability of meetings so that members know when tasks are due and next meetings are scheduled
  • Meeting agenda displayed and used to keep discussion on target
  • Meeting minutes projected and used to guide the meeting, prompt steps for problem solving, and record decisions

The process for team-based problem solving systematically attends to student-level and system-level factors (such as effectiveness of instruction and supports in academic and non-academic areas, scheduling, resources, funding, and community factors) and is a critical driver of continuous improvement.

Conditions for Success

Shared Leadership

  • A written, iterative process for team-based problem solving is developed to address complex problems impacting students.
  • An integrated data system is provided that allows users to document and access individual student-level academic and non-academic data that are represented visually or graphically.  
  • Integrated teaming structures are in place to support effective and efficient team-based problem solving.
Learn more about shared leadership in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Professional Capacity

  • Teams understand and apply how data drive each step in problem solving.
  • Teams understand and apply the concept of non-evaluative integrity checks with easy ways to gather and summarize integrity.
  • Teams understand and apply the rationale for reviewing all problems until resolved or the goal is met.
  • Teams understand and apply the rationale of building a collaborative culture to increase collective responsibility and efficacy.
  • Teams understand and apply the rationale of being advocates for the needs of all students.
Learn more about professional capacity in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Teams collaborate frequently in solving complex problems.
  • Teams have bidirectional communication with leadership.
  • Teams share responsibility for student progress/outcomes in both academic and non-academic areas.
  • Staff involve students as partners in problem solving in academic and non-academic areas.
  • Teams involve families/caregivers as partners in problem solving in academic and non-academic areas.
Learn more about communication and collaboration in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Resources

Last Modified: 8/22/2025 1:40:44 PM