DESSA Team Members and Raters

Overview

A successful DESSA implementation requires a team of staff members from throughout the district. This article will describe who these team members are and distinguish them from raters.

What is a DESSA Team?

A DESSA Team can be comprised of the district/organization’s SEL leadership, building administrators, technical contacts, and any staff members who will be supporting educators through the implementation of the DESSA System. Supporting staff may include school psychologists, guidance counselors, and social workers.

Who are raters?

Raters are educators who submit DESSA ratings on students. Educators include classroom teachers and out-of-school-time staff. Raters should have worked with a student closely for at least four weeks prior to completing a DESSA form on the student. 

Parents and guardians may serve as raters for the first edition DESSA K-8, first edition DESSA-minis K-8, and the DESSA-Second Step Edition. However, those ratings are completed on a paper form and, later, entered into the DESSA System by an educator, Site Administrator, or Program Administrator.