What is Response to Intervention (RTI)?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a
multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students
with learning and behavior needs. The RTI process begins with
high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the
general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with
interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their
rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of
personnel, including general education teachers, special educators, and
specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning
rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational
decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based
on individual student response to instruction. RTI is designed for use
when making decisions in both general education and special education,
creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention
guided by child outcome data.
For RTI implementation to work well, the
following essential components must be implemented with fidelity and in
a rigorous manner:
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High-quality, scientifically based classroom instruction. All students receive high-quality, research-based instruction in the general education classroom.
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Ongoing student assessment.
Universal screening and progress monitoring provide information about a
student’s learning rate and level of achievement, both individually and
in comparison with the peer group. These data are then used when
determining which students need closer monitoring or intervention.
Throughout the RTI process, student progress is monitored frequently to
examine student achievement and gauge the effectiveness of the
curriculum. Decisions made regarding students’ instructional needs are
based on multiple data points taken in context over time.
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Tiered instruction. A
multi-tier approach is used to efficiently differentiate instruction
for all students. The model incorporates increasing intensities of
instruction offering specific, research-based interventions matched to
student needs.
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Parent involvement. Schools
implementing RTI provide parents information about their child’s
progress, the instruction and interventions used, the staff who are
delivering the instruction, and the academic or behavioral goals for
their child.