High Bridge Elementary School
40 Fairview Avenue
High Bridge, NJ 08829
Phone: 908-638-4105
Fax: 908-638-5260
 
 
Guidance
What's Happening in Guidance?
I & RS
Hunterdon County Resources

I & RS

 

Intervention and Referral (I&RS)

What is I&RS?

I&RS stands for Intervention and Referral Services. To help with many at-risk behaviors the NJ Department of Education provided this school program of Intervention and Referral Services. It is stated that the district BOE is required to “...establish and implement a coordinated system in each school building for the planning and delivery of intervention and referral services that are designed to assist students who are experiencing learning, behavior, or health difficulties…” [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)]; and which are designed to: “...assist staff who have difficulties in addressing students’ learning, behavior, or health difficulties…” [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 (a)]

When might a teacher request an I&RS Review?

Teachers differentiate instruction on a daily basis to meet the needs of their students. A teacher will request an I&RS review when a child continues to have difficulty despite the interventions they have put in place.

What types of needs does the I&RS review?

When a child is having difficulty in the classroom and it begins to impact their academic progress or interfere with their learning, the teacher may request support from the I&RS team. A teacher can refer a student who is having behavior difficulties, academic difficulties, or health difficulties.

What does the I&RS process look like?

Step 1: Teacher tries various intervention methods and differentiates instruction to try and meet the needs of all his/her students.

Step 2: If a student continues to have difficulties despite interventions put in place, the teacher makes a decision to refer the student to the I&RS team.

Step 3: Teacher contacts parents/guardians and fills out an I&RS referral packet. Once I&RS receives a packet an information sheet is given to special area teachers to get their input as well.

Step 4: The coordinator schedules a team meeting with the student’s teacher to gather background information and understanding of difficulties the student is having in the classroom. The team also collaborates intervention ideas.

Step 5: The coordinator contacts the parents/guardians to schedule a team meeting with them. Parent and team collaboration is an important piece of our I&RS program. It allows us to all be on the same page and create a plan together to utilize both at home and school.

Step 6: A case manager is assigned to the student. The plan that was discussed collaboratively as a team is typed up and provided to the student’s classroom teacher, special area teachers, parents/guardians, and anyone else who is working with the child.

Step 7: After about 8 weeks we hold a follow up meeting to check on progress and edit the plan as needed. At any point during the 8 weeks teachers or parents can reach out with developing concerns or needs and the plan can be edited at any time.

Does the plan follow the student at the beginning of a new school year?

Yes, the plan is given to the student’s new teacher before the school year begins. The teacher is given the first marking period to familiarize themselves with the student and the plan. At the end of the first marking period the teacher can make the decision of whether or not the student still needs I&RS. They have the choice to re-refer or drop the student from I&RS. Parents/guardians are notified either way.

Is this the same as a referral for Special Education?

No, I&RS helps to address the challenges identified and can possibly prevent a referral to CST by providing resources and interventions the teacher can use in a general education classroom.

Can the I&RS team make a referral to the Child Study Team?

Yes, at any point the I&RS team can refer a student to the Child Study Team to be evaluated for special education services. If the actions, resources, and interventions are not sufficient the team may suggest a referral to the Child Study Team. The parents will then participate in the decision as to whether a Child Study Team evaluation will be done.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with teachers and parents to meet the needs of all of our students at High Bridge Elementary School. We want to help our students to be successful and not struggle, whether it be behaviorally or academically.

 

If you have any questions please contact:

Megan Gulevski

gulevskim@hbschools.org

908-638-4105, Option 4