Referral Process for academic/behavior support

Unity West and Unity East Elementary Schools utilize a problem solving process to decide how teachers and parents can work together to help students be successful in school. A team that includes parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, and support staff work together during this problem solving process.

Interventions are identified that will help the student, teacher, and parent address the needs a student is experiencing in school. An intervention is a strategy or course of action designed to make a positive difference in the area needing support. Interventions may include using a specific teaching method for reading, modifying classroom materials, teaching a student social skills, or using a reward system. Resources available within the school and community are utilized to implement the interventions.

Contact between parent/guardians and school is initiated when a concern about student academic progress or behavior arises. The school staff, parent, and student, when appropriate, discuss what strategies may be used in the classroom. If additional help is needed, a team meeting will be scheduled to discuss the concern and begin the development of an intervention plan.

Through the use of the problem solving process a student’s strengths and weaknesses are identified. Vision, hearing, health, and medical needs, school history, academic progress, and behavior are reviewed to identify the learning and/or behavioral needs of the student. Diagnostic assessment, observation, and/or interviewing may be utilized to assist in identifying specific areas of weakness.

At the problem solving meeting information will be shared to clearly define the problem. Parents’ and teachers’ expectations for the student will be identified. Interventions will be discussed and designed to address the specific need of the student. Team members will determine ways to measure the results of the interventions. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to review the student’s progress and make future plans.

The purpose of the follow-up meeting is to determine one of the following:

• The interventions have been successful.
• The interventions have been partially successful, but some modifications and more time are needed.
• The interventions have not been successful and different interventions need to be tried.

If the interventions have not been successful, the team may decide to continue the problem solving process or explore the possibility of special education services.

If special education services are to be considered, the team will ask for parent’s written consent and information regarding special education rights and procedures will be provided. The information that has already been gathered will be reviewed and additional information may be gathered, as decided by the team. A meeting will be scheduled to review all the information, to determine whether special education entitlement is appropriate, and what services may be provided for the student.