Section 28 of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Law states
  
“Prior to referral of a child for an evaluation, the principal of the child’s school shall ensure that all efforts have been made to meet such child’s needs within the regular education program. In addition, all efforts shall be made to modify the regular classroom program to meet such needs. Such efforts may include, but are not limited to: modification of the curriculum, teaching strategies, teaching environments, or materials; and use of support services, consultative services, and building teams to meet the child’s needs in the regular education classroom. Such efforts and their results shall be documented and placed in the child’s record. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to limit or condition the right to refer a child for an evaluation.”

Purpose of Instructional Support Service (CHAT)
The state requires a pre-referral process. To meet this need, the Burlington Public Schools have implemented Instructional Support Service (CHAT – Child Action Team) within each school. The purpose of the Instructional Support Service (CHAT) is:

• To help teachers work more successfully with all students within the regular classroom.
• To provide support for teachers
• To increase professional partnerships
• To provide an efficient pre-referral process