The IBA Team is composed of educators, parents, students, and community representatives. Interventions that are implemented are based upon Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences and the Ohio State Board of Education's rules and regulations for special education. Additionally, the IBA team provides support and expands the knowledge base of teachers and parents seeking assistance with behavioral and academic problems. The services of the IBA team are available system-wide and to all students. During the 1995-96 school year, the IBA Team worked in 2 schools and provided services to 40 students.
Plans are to have IBA teams in five more schools in the next school year.
The IBA Team effort has been evaluated. Potential challenges to effective implementation include lack of adequate time for meetings, data collection, and in-service training. The IBA Team program uses the consulting services of the Cuyahoga State Regional Resource Center. In addition, standardized child assessment measures and intervention resource materials are required to implement the approach. The IBA Team is supported by general funds.