What is the primary purpose of prereferral interventions?

The primary purpose of prereferral interventions is to decrease referrals to special education and assist regular education teachers. This process aims to address the needs of students who are experiencing difficulties in the general education setting before they are evaluated for special education services. Prereferral interventions involve strategies and support that help teachers adapt their instructional methods or provide additional resources to support students, thus minimizing unnecessary special education referrals.

This approach encourages a proactive response to learning challenges, allowing students to receive targeted help within the general education framework. It also fosters collaboration among educators, enabling them to share effective strategies and interventions tailored to individual student needs. By intervening early, schools can provide appropriate support and potentially improve student outcomes, thus reducing the number of students who might require special education placement.