Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)

Key Components of Intervention and Referral Services

1. Identification and Referral:
   • Teachers, parents, or school staff can refer a student to the I&RS team when they observe significant academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns.
   • Referrals are based on documented observations, assessments, and data.
2. Team Composition:
   • The I&RS team at EPCS includes the principal, classroom teachers, teachers seeking assistance, and specialists determined by the teacher to be appropriate
   • The team collaborates to develop and implement intervention plans.
3. Assessment and Data Collection:
   • The I&RS team reviews existing data, such as academic records, behavioral reports, and attendance.
   • Additional assessments or observations may be conducted to gather more information about the student’s needs.
4. Developing Intervention Plans:
   • Based on the collected data, the team creates an individualized intervention plan.
   • The plan includes specific goals, strategies, and timelines for implementation.
   • Interventions may include academic supports, behavioral strategies, social skills training, or modifications to the learning environment.
5. Implementation:
   • Interventions are implemented by teachers, support staff, or specialists as outlined in the plan.
   • The I&RS team provides guidance and support to ensure fidelity of implementation.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • The team regularly monitors the student's progress toward the intervention goals.
   • Data is collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.
   • Adjustments to the plan are made as needed based on the student’s progress.
7. Communication and Collaboration:
   • The I&RS team maintains open communication with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
   • Regular meetings are held to review progress and make necessary adjustments to the intervention plan.

Benefits of Intervention and Referral Services

• Early Identification: Helps identify and address issues early, preventing more significant problems later.
• Individualized Support: Provides tailored interventions to meet the specific needs of each student.
• Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration among school staff, parents, and other stakeholders to support student success.
• Data-Driven: Utilizes data to inform decisions and track the effectiveness of interventions.
• Prevention: Aims to prevent the need for more intensive special education services by providing timely support.

Role of the I&RS Team in Schools

1. Support for Teachers:
   • Provides teachers with strategies and resources to support students in the classroom.
   • Offers professional development and training on intervention techniques.
2. Parent Involvement:
   • Engages parents in the intervention process and keeps them informed of their child’s progress.
   • Collaborates with parents to support the implementation of interventions at home.
3. Resource Allocation:
   • Identifies and allocates resources needed to implement interventions effectively.
   • Connects students and families with additional school and community resources.
4. Building a Supportive Environment:
   • Promotes a positive school culture that supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of all students.
   • Encourages proactive approaches to addressing student needs.