This comprehensive workshop equips K–12 school counselors with the tools and knowledge to establish and operate effective Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) teams. Participants explore the purpose, structure, and processes of I&RS as mandated by New Jersey Administrative Code, with emphasis on identifying student needs early and supporting struggling students through a collaborative, data-driven approach. Through interactive activities and practical planning sessions, attendees learn how to form multidisciplinary teams, implement targeted interventions, and maintain detailed documentation for continuous improvement. The workshop also covers best practices and offers actionable strategies that can be immediately applied within school settings.

• Lack of early identification and support for students with academic, behavioral, or health challenges
  
  
• Inconsistent or ineffective I&RS team structures and processes
  
  
• Insufficient collaboration and communication among school staff and families regarding student interventions
  
  
• Gaps in data collection, intervention planning, and progress monitoring
  

1. Establishing and Operating an Effective I&RS Team
   Participants will learn how to structure a multidisciplinary I&RS team, define roles, and guide the team through referral, assessment, intervention planning, and monitoring processes, all in alignment with NJ state mandates.
   
   
2. Implementing Data-Driven and Tiered Interventions
   Counselors will gain strategies to collect and assess relevant student data and apply tiered interventions (Tier 1–3) that are targeted, measurable, and customized to meet individual student needs, with an emphasis on progress monitoring and data-informed adjustments.
   
   
3. Enhancing Collaboration and Documentation for Sustained Impact
   Attendees will understand how to foster effective communication with parents, teachers, and service providers, and maintain detailed records that support transparency, evaluation, legal compliance, and ongoing refinement of I&RS practices.