WHAT IS THE INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE? The Intervention and Referral Committee is a school-based support committee which assists educators to plan and deliver interventions that accommodate the learning, behavioral and/or health difficulties of students whose needs are identified by staff or parents. Through collaboration, support, action and monitoring, they seek to resolve identified problems. WHO CAN SERVE ON THE INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE? In addition to the Principal or Assistant Principal and Student Assistance Specialist, the referring teacher(s) and general education teacher the I&RS may include other support staff whose different abilities and educational experiences will facilitate the development of an Action Plan that will assist your child. The support staff may be the, nurse, counselor, reading specialist, math specialist, psychologist, social worker, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, and speech/language specialist. Parents or guardians are involved in the development and implementation of the Action Plan. You will be asked to provide input and you will receive a written copy of the Action Plan that is developed for your child. You will be notified of any referral plans to community-based social and health providing agencies. If these are recommended, you may be asked to provide coordinated strategies at home to assist your child. WHAT WILL THE INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES COMMITTEE DO TO HELP? The members of the Intervention and Referral Services Committee will obtain important information related to your child’s needs. They will meet to discuss his/her areas of strengths and weaknesses and will then problem-solve and develop an Action Plan to address those areas in which he/she is experiencing difficulties in school. The I&RS can also coordinate services of community-based social and health providing agencies, if needed. They will review and assess the effectiveness of the interventions provided to achieve the outcomes identified in the Action Plan. The Action Plan will be modified, as appropriate, to achieve the desired outcomes. This will be done at a follow-up review meeting. WHAT IS AN ACTION PLAN? The Action Plan identifies desired outcomes and details interventions (strategies, modifications or other services) that are considered to be helpful to your child and the teachers. It is a thoughtful, planned approach to modify your child’s educational program and school performance. You will receive a copy of the Action Plan formulated for your child. The implementation of the Action Plan’s interventions will be reviewed by the I&RS committee within time frames that are stipulated in the plan.