STUDENT REFERRALS

There are a number of school and community services available to pupils.  Most necessitate completion of a form to initiate action as promptly as practicable.  Referrals must come about as an outcome of child study meetings, as the district is required to document all pre-referral interventions tried.  Referrals of any type must go through the building administrator for his/her signature.  It is appropriate to consider the referral process for the following:

1.  students who may need special education services

            This process takes time as it involves a number of individuals doing a variety of tasks.  After parent consent and involvement in the referral process, a thorough evaluation of the student will be completed.  Meetings will be held with the parents, the teachers involved, and the Committee on Special Education to determine the special education services, if any, needed.  Many state and federal regulations dictate procedures and due process rights afforded to students and parents.  The end result may be an individualized education plan (IEP) that must be followed.

2.  students in need of Academic Intervention Services (math, ELA - K-12), social studies, science - 4-12)

            Students are referred for AIS when they are not meeting State Standards or are in danger of not meeting State Standards.  The Malone Central School District AIS description contains the specific triggers for a review to consider AIS.  AIS is automatically provided for students scoring below designated scores on State Assessments at grades 3 through 8 as well as Regents exams required for graduation.  AIS may take the form of direct academic services, support services, or monitoring as appropriate.

3.  elementary students in need of counseling

            This form will generate contact between you and the elementary counselor.  Through mutual discussion, a plan of action will be implemented.

4.  students in need of services from outside agencies

            Different community agencies have caseworkers assigned to our school buildings.  Some eligibility requirements may exist that allow/prevent caseworker involvement.  A referral form acts as the catalyst that begins investigation as to eligibility.  Representatives of North Star Mental Health, North Star Drug Abuse, Franklin County Department of Social Services are only some of the caseworkers who may help students and families in their home and school life.