Many students struggle in school at some point, and it can be tricky to figure out who needs extra help and how to best support them.
That’s where Response to Intervention (RTI) comes in. RTI is a multi-tiered framework that schools use to proactively address the academic and behavioral needs of all students.
This article will break down the key components of RTI in education and explain why it’s such a beneficial approach.
Core Principles of RTI
The RTI approach is built on a few key ideas:
Multi-Tiered System of Support
RTI uses a tiered approach to give students the support they need:
- Tier 1: All students receive high-quality, research-backed instruction in the general education classroom.
- Tier 2: Students who need more help get targeted interventions, often in small groups, to address specific learning gaps.
- Tier 3: Students who still struggle receive intensive, individualized interventions tailored to their unique needs.
Data-Driven Decision Making
RTI relies on data to make informed decisions about student support:
- Universal Screening: All students are screened to identify those who may be at risk for academic difficulties.
- Progress Monitoring: Student performance is regularly tracked to see if interventions are working.
- Data-Based Decisions: Data on student progress is used to decide whether to adjust interventions or move a student to a different tier of support.
The RTI process in action
The heart of RTI is a tiered approach to instruction and intervention, designed to meet students where they are.
Implementation of Tier 1 instruction
Tier 1 is all about high-quality, research-based instruction in the general education classroom. It’s crucial that teachers use instructional strategies that have been proven effective by research. The general education teacher is the key player here, leading the RTI process for most students as they progress through Tiers 1 and 2.
Moving through the tiers
Students move to higher tiers when they don’t show enough progress in the lower tiers. This decision is based on data collected through progress monitoring. Tier 2 interventions might include small group tutoring or supplemental instruction, while Tier 3 interventions could involve one-on-one instruction or specialized programs.
Progress monitoring tools and techniques
Progress is typically monitored using assessments like curriculum-based measurement (CBM) or standardized reading assessments. The data from these assessments is analyzed to see if the interventions are working and to make any necessary adjustments to the student’s instruction.
RTI and Special Education
RTI is sometimes used as an alternative to the old IQ-achievement discrepancy model for identifying students with learning disabilities. Instead of comparing a student’s intellectual ability to their academic performance, RTI focuses on how well a student responds to evidence-based interventions.
One benefit of using RTI to determine special education eligibility is that it helps educators distinguish between students who are struggling because they haven’t had adequate instruction and those who have genuine learning disabilities. With RTI, students get multiple opportunities for intervention before they’re ever referred for special education.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) allows schools to use either the IQ-achievement discrepancy model or the RTI approach to determine whether a student is eligible for special education services.
To Conclude
RTI offers educators a proven framework for identifying students who are struggling and providing them with targeted support early on. The systematic approach and data-driven decision-making inherent in RTI can make a real difference in a child’s academic trajectory.
However, to ensure that all students benefit, RTI must be implemented with fidelity. That means providing high-quality instruction and carefully monitoring student progress. When done right, RTI is a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for all learners.