What Is I&RS?
I&RS (Intervention and Referral Services): In July 1994, the State Board of Education adopted rules to provide district boards of education with standards for the delivery of intervention and referral services for pupils in the general education program. (NJAC 6:26, Intervention and Referral Services for General Education Pupils). These rules replace the preceding regulations that required the establishment of Intervention and Referral Services Committees (I&RS) in all public school buildings. Under this regulation, the Westfield Public Schools have established and implemented procedures for the delivery of intervention, and referral services for pupils who are experiencing difficulties in their classes and have not been determined to be in need of special education programs and services. To this end, the Westfield Public Schools have established the I&RS Committees at each school. The I&RS Committee is required to provide the following building based functions in support of intervention and referral services for general education pupils:
Identify pupils in need and plan and provide for appropriate intervention and/or referral services to school and community resources based on desired outcomes.
Identify roles and responsibilities of building staff.
Provide support, guidance and professional development to staff who identify and refer pupils.
Involve parents/guardians in the development and implementation of intervention and referral plans.
Coordinate access to and delivery of school services for identified pupils.
Coordinate the services of community based social and health provider agencies.
Review and assess the effectiveness of the services provided in achieving the outcomes identified in the intervention and referral plan.
The Jefferson I&RS Committee is composed of the Principal, teachers, and parent(s), Additional members may include the school nurse, and others as determined by the Committee. Intervention and assistance plans may be developed to help students within the regular education program who are experiencing problems in learning, behavior, or health that are not related to the educational process. If a referral to the child study team is made, we follow the prescribed procedures as described in NJAC 6A:14, subchapter 3, NJAC 6A:, subchapter 2, and the official policies of the Westfield Public Schools. Further information may be obtained by contacting the school principal or the Director of Special Services.
All of these activities and duties can make a real difference in students’ lives, improving their self-understanding and self-confidence, motivation, decision-making, goal-setting, planning and problem solving, interpersonal relationships, communication skills, respect for others and more.