Intervention and Referral Services

  • Pupil Assistance Committee (PAC)

    What is the PAC?
    This group of professionals serves to assist teachers to determine what resources or modifications will most benefit students to help them succeed and meet the Cherry Hill standards.

    The intervention strategies agreed upon are designed to assist individual students.

    Participants of the PAC may be the following individuals: Principal, Guidance Counselor, Instructional Support Specialist, Teachers, Child Study Team member, School Nurse, or others having knowledge of the student.

    When does a teacher request a PAC review?
    Teachers routinely use varied strategies to address a child’s needs in the classroom. The teacher requests services of the PAC when a particular student continues to have difficulties despite these efforts.

    What kinds of needs are reviewed by PAC?
    When a child experiences difficulties that affect his or her academic progress, or has exhibited behavior that interferes with learning, the teacher may request a review by the PAC.

    Student difficulties may include problems responding to written or verbal information, organizing, focusing, and/or completing work without constant teacher intervention.

    How does the PAC help the teacher?
    The PAC supports the teacher by suggesting additional strategies and other alternative problem solving approaches and reviewing the school resources designed to assist the student.

    How are parents informed?
    The teacher discusses his or her concerns with the student’s parents prior to requesting a PAC review. Following the meeting, parents will receive a copy of the PAC Plan developed during the meeting.

    What happens during the PAC meeting with the teacher?
    The teacher is invited to discuss the problem with the PAC at a meeting scheduled during the school day. At that time, the teacher describes the student and the difficulty the student is having.

    He or she will identify both successful and unsuccessful strategies used, as well as current efforts to assist the student.

    Alternative methods of intervention and new approaches are developed collaboratively. The PAC and teacher select appropriate strategies to implement.

    The PAC Plan contains specific goals, strategies for implementation, and the individuals responsible for each action.

    A timeline is established for implementing the PAC Plan and assessing its effectiveness.

    How is follow-up accomplished?
    The PAC Plan is monitored by the classroom teacher and possibly a PAC member assigned to assist the teacher.

    At a time specified within the plan, the teacher reconvenes with the PAC to report on its success. If the student’s needs are not being met by the initial plan, additional interventions may be suggested and the plan may be modified to reflect these changes.

    Under what circumstances might the Child Study Team become involved?
    The PAC recommends actions intended to resolve the difficulties identified. If the actions taken and resources sued are not adequate and the problem still remains, the student’s needs may suggest referral to the Child Study Team. Parents must participate in the decision as to whether a Child Study Team evaluation will be done.