Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS)

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

In April 2001, the State Board of Education adopted new rules to provide district boards of education with standards for the delivery of intervention and referral services (N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Intervention and Referral Services*). (A copy of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7 is provided in Appendix A.) The requirements set forth in the regulations are intended to provide schools with direction in formulating coordinated services and team delivery systems to address the full range of student learning, behavior, and health problems in the general education program, such as those identified in the Overview section above. Under the new regulations, however, schools may also provide intervention and referral services for students who have been determined to

Establishment and Purposes of Intervention and Referral 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, and 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. The I&RS Committee develops an Action Plan containing goals, interventions, and a timeline for the plan’s duration.