I&RS Information

When a child experiences difficulties that affect his or her academic progress or has exhibited behavior that interferes with learning, the teacher may request support from I&RS.  Student difficulties may include problems responding to written or verbal information, organizing, focusing, and/or completing work without constant teacher intervention.  

I&RS supports the teacher and student by developing an intervention plan that may provide alternative strategies.  The interventions are designed to support the student in achieving success within the general education program.  

The teacher discusses his or her concerns with the student’s parents prior to requesting assistance from I&RS. Once, the teacher submits the request for assistance the assigned case coordinator will reach out to the parent/guardian to schedule a meeting.   

Following a teacher’s submission of an I&RS request, a meeting of the I&RS team is scheduled. At the meeting, the teacher describes the student's behavioral and/or academic issues they are experiencing. He or she will identify both successful and unsuccessful strategies used, as well as current efforts.  Alternative means of intervention and new approaches are suggested.  A plan of action is developed by specifying goals, strategies to be used, and the individuals responsible for each action.  A timeline is established for implementing the plan and assessing its effectiveness.  

The action plan is monitored by the classroom teacher and the I&RS team.  At a time specified within the plan, the I&RS team meets again to report on its progress.  If a child’s needs are not being met by the initial plan, additional interventions may be suggested and modifications made to the plan.

I&RS is a program inside the regular education classroom. The teams attempt to intervene as early as possible to address behaviors, skills, resources, and strategies for learners who may need assistance. Often, this assistance is temporary or local to a specific course or area, and, after I&RS intervention, no further intervention is required for the success of the student. 

The I&RS team recommends actions intended to help resolve the challenges identified to prevent referral to the Child Study Team.  If the actions taken and resources used do not result in appropriate growth, the child’s needs may result in a referral to the Child Study Team.  Parents will participate in the decision as to whether a Child Study Team referral will be made.  

The I&RS team cannot and does not make decisions related to Special Education services, nor can they diagnose learning disabilities.