Intervention Specialist Interview Reflection
Amanda Sydnor
Describe the role of an intervention specialist in this school setting
The role of an intervention specialist is to provide the services and accommodations for
those students under an IEP or 504. After acting as the student’s case worker, they will then
report the student’s progress back to their parents and make changes according to the progress.
Identify the spectrum of students with special needs at this school
There are over 200 students with an IEP or 504 attending Green High. Within those 200,
there is a wide spectrum of cases: speech, writing and reading disadvantages, gifted students,
English as a second language, learning disabilities, cognitive and emotional disabilities and
physical impairments.
Identify the process of referral for students with special needs at this school
When teachers begin to notice signs of a need for an intervention for a student there are a
series of steps to make the appropriate accommodations. There is a response to intervention.
Research needs to be collected over a six to eight week period of time to narrow the focus of the
student’s accommodations needed for the classroom. Over this research teachers are to vary how
knowledge is delivered. Gale made it very clear that the school cannot suspect a disability
without research to show the gaps in the student’s ability. The second step is to contact the IAT
(Intervention Assistant Team). The team and teacher meet with the parents of the student. As a
group, the teacher, IAT, and the parents will come up with interventions that are research based
because it is no longer acceptable to say something is a good idea without research. Everything is
documented and a decision is made to meet again. If the interventions are not working and no
student progress is being made, typically different interventions will be tried that are significant
to a student. If a disability is suspected, testing will be done. A response to intervention has to be
shown before testing can begin. Because Gale works as the intervention specialist coordinator for
the district it seemed as though this process is done with students at a younger age and secondary
level teachers are making accommodations based on how information and assessments are
delivered to students.
Describe the most commonly used methods for adapting curriculum, textbooks, assignments,
assessments, and classroom policies in accordance with federal laws in this school
The most commonly used methods for adapting curriculum with federal laws in
Green High School is to follow the IEP accommodations. Teachers need to be aware of the IEP
accommodations such as extended times on tests and notes provided. Legally, teachers have to
follow the IEP and provide the accommodations mandated. Teachers need to treat a student with
special needs equal, but make sure they follow what accommodations are on the IEP to help that
student become successful. There was not much discussion about adapting curriculum and
textbooks to those students with an IEP, but this type of adaption is solely on a case to case basis.
No student is the same.
Articulate the importance of working relationships with intervention specialists. Special
education teachers, students with special needs, and parents of students with special needs and
community support.
The relationships within the Green community are positive. Gail has good rapport with
students and the relationship is very professional. Gail’s relationship with fellow teachers is also
on a professional basis. Teachers need to be accommodating and supportive of intervention
specialists and also maintain a professional relationship. Gail sees herself as an assistant and a
helper to parents. Parents will call with concerns and call out of frustration because they want
their child to be successful. There is a lot of parental support in the Green school district because
education is important in Green.
Describe how you will negotiate your own role as teacher of students with special needs.
Describe how information gained via this interview will help you as you plan your unit.
Personally, this interview was a little bit of a let-down. Many of her answers were
repetitive insisting on the fact that teacher’s need to accommodate their students. Although it was
a decent interview and seemed much like casual conversation, it seemed strained. I did realize
the importance of cooperation between teacher, parent and intervention specialist.
Communication is a key element that seems to be a foundation in Green’s success. When
planning my unit, I think it will be most important to focus on giving information in a variety of
ways. Every student learns a different way, and teachers must be able to accommodate that fact.