What is the primary role of a Pre-referral Team?

The primary role of a Pre-referral Team is to assist students struggling in the general education setting. This team is typically composed of teachers, special education staff, and other professionals who collaborate to identify and implement interventions and support for students who exhibit difficulties in learning or behavior before formal special education evaluations are initiated. The focus is on providing early support to help these students succeed within the general education environment, utilizing various strategies to address their needs without immediately resorting to special education services.

By engaging in this collaborative approach, the Pre-referral Team ensures that appropriate and targeted interventions are in place, helping to gather data on the student's progress and effectiveness of the interventions. This proactive method can often lead to improved outcomes for students and reduce the need for special education services, demonstrating the importance of early intervention in education.