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What Does the Referral Process Look Like in a Public School?

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Summary

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A referral process in a school is when teachers or parents ask for extra help for a student who is having trouble. The school then works together to find the best way to support the students and help them improve.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can start a referral process?

Teachers, school staff, or parents can start a referral process if they notice a student is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally and needs extra support.

What happens after a referral form is submitted?

After a referral form is submitted, a school support team reviews it and works together to create a plan that addresses the student’s needs, which may include additional resources or services.

How long does it take for a student to receive help after a referral is submitted?

The time it takes for a student to receive help after a referral is submitted can vary depending on the school and the student’s specific needs, but schools generally aim to provide support as soon as possible.

Scientific Definition

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A referral process in a public school is a way for teachers, parents, and other school staff to ask for extra help for a student who might be struggling. This can be for problems with learning, behavior, or emotions. The main goal is to find the best way to support the student and help them do better in school. When someone thinks a student needs help, they fill out a referral form. This form has information about the student and what kind of problems they’re having. After the form is turned in, a group of people at the school, a support team, looks at it. They discuss the student’s needs and devise a plan to help. This might include extra help in the classroom, working with a counselor, or getting other special services. The referral process ensures that students who need extra help get the support they need to learn and grow in school.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of the Referral Process

Meet Susie, a bright and energetic student at Maple Elementary School. Let’s see how the referral process in her public school supports her journey:

  • Struggles identified: Susie’s teacher, Ms. Johnson, notices that Susie is having difficulty concentrating in class and often seems overwhelmed.
  • Referral form completion: Ms. Johnson discusses her observations with the school counselor, Mr. Thompson. Together, they fill out a referral form that highlights Susie’s challenges and areas of concern.
  • Support team intervention: The referral form is reviewed by the school’s support team, including the principal, counselor, and special education teacher. They meet with Susie’s parents to understand her needs better.
  • Personalized plan: The support team devises a personalized plan for Susie, which includes additional support in the classroom, regular check-ins with the counselor, and strategies to improve her concentration and emotional well-being.
  • Implementation and monitoring: Susie’s teachers and the support team work together to implement the plan. They regularly monitor her progress and make adjustments as needed.
  • Positive outcomes: Over time, Susie’s ability to focus improves, and she becomes more confident in her academic abilities. The referral process ensures that Susie receives the necessary support to thrive in school.

Through the referral process, Susie receives targeted assistance that empowers her to overcome challenges and reach her full potential.

How Is the Referral Process Used in the Real World?

The referral process in a public school is designed to provide extra support for students facing challenges. Here’s how it works:

  • Identification: Teachers, parents, and school staff identify students who may need additional help with learning, behavior, or emotions.
  • Referral form: A referral form is completed with information about the student’s difficulties and submitted.
  • Support team review: A group of professionals at the school, known as a support team, examines the referral form.
  • Needs assessment: The support team discusses the student’s needs and collaboratively develops a plan to address them.
  • Intervention options: The plan may involve various interventions, such as in-class support, counseling, or specialized services.
  • Implementation: The agreed-upon interventions are put into action to provide the necessary assistance to the student.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: The student’s progress is regularly monitored, and adjustments to the plan are made if needed.
  • Result-oriented: The referral process aims to ensure that students receive the support they need to excel academically and personally.

The purpose of the referral process is to provide targeted support to students for their overall growth and success in school. Goally, our kid-friendly tablet, provides apps for digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and skill-building. It assists students in the referral process by supporting emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills development.

 

This post was originally published on March 29, 2023. It was updated on July 12, 2023.