I&RS

Intervention & Referral Services Team

THE LAW

 

           New rules were adapted by the New Jersey State Board of Education in April 2001 in order to provide districts with guidelines  and standards for the delivery of intervention and referral services (N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7). The new regulations, mandate schools to provide intervention and referral services for students who have been determined to be in need of special education programs and services.

Pursuant to these regulations, district boards of education are 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 needs." [N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)]

       The regulations make it clear that I&RS activities should be focused on concerns with students, and that the end result of I&RS activities should be student improvement. It is equally important to note however, that an I&RS program must consist of a formal, coordinated, and well articulated system of supportive activities and services for staff who have identified student difficulties and those who will be involved in the amelioration of the identified educational concerns.

(Adapted from Resource Manual for Intervention & Referral Services).