When I first began wrapping my mind around moving from being a homeroom teacher to an interventionist, I had to first figure out the referral process.
The teachers at my school were already analyzing data in grade level teams. As they found areas students needed help in, they would need to give me all of the information I’d need to help them.
A Paper Intervention Referral Process
My first year, the referral process was all done on paper. Some teams used their forms from data teams. Some teams wrote lists. I created this basic referral from for them to use.
This is actually a copy I updated for the second year. The second year I added the 10 days notice part to the please create test section. I learned quickly that Murphy’s Law is in effect often all seven grade levels often asked me to create something at that same time.
You may notice my referral is for “Surf”. I call my intervention class Surf Lessons. I’ll talk more about that later in the Intervention Series when I talk about creating a positive intervention environment.
The paper referral process was OK the first year, but it had some drawbacks. Homeroom teachers have a lot to do and a piece of paper can easily be misplaced. There were a few times teachers told me the put a referral in my box but I never saw it. Sometimes, I’d get a referral that wasn’t complete and I’d have to ask a lot of follow up questions.
A Digital Intervention Referral Process
My second year, I made a free website on Weebly.
I created a Google Form and teams submitted the referrals through the website.
THIS. WAS. AMAZING.
Some teachers are nervous about technology but a Google Form is easy to fill out. My favorite part was that I could require certain fields so every form I received had all the information filled out. It also records when the form was turned in which can be helpful if you set deadlines.
I basically asked all the same questions as on the paper form.
There are countless uses for Google Forms. I used them this year for referrals, for creating a yard duty schedule, to check in with teachers about what was working and wasn’t working about Surf Lessons… the possibilities are endless. Here is a WikiHow on Google Forms.
Now that teachers have told me what they want me to teach and to whom, it is time to get organized. Check out part 3 for tips about organizing intervention students and their data.
Follow the Whole Process for Intervention
Part 2: A Structured Referral Process for Intervention in Elementary Schools
I love weebly. I think this referral process in great and friendly for teachers to use. I also think it is really great you have an administrator that allows you the freedom to set up a process that works for YOU and your fellow teachers. I always seemed to be in a school that "told" you how it would be done, even though the system had been broken for years.
Good for you for taking the initiative and go the extra mile. I would definitely think many of your ideas would benefit some of the struggling schools I have visited.
Christa Joy
Special Needs for Special Kids
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Special-Needs-For-Special-Kids