What is Response to Intervention?
Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs at all grade levels. The RtI goal is to prevent academic failure through early interventions. The RtI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening (NWEA) 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 such as myself. Progress is closely monitored, either bi-weekly or monthly, to assess both the learning rate and the success of the intervention. Our goal is to catch them early, but RtI services can be used at any grade level.
There are three Tiers in the RtI process
Tier 1 interventions take place in the general education classroom. It may be provided by the classroom teacher, possibly a para professional or volunteer. Students are strategically monitored (assessed) once a month to assess progress.
Tier 2 interventions take place in either the general education classroom or with the RtI coordinator. It could look like a "pull-out program" or a "push-in program" and occurs with more frequency than a Tier 1 intervention. Students are progress monitored (assessed) bi-weekly to assess progress. It may take place 2-5 times per week.
Tier 3 interventions take place as a "pull-out program" and not in the general education classroom. The student receives more intensive instruction, usually 5 days a week. It may be provided by the RtI Coordinator or possibly a Special Education teacher. Students are progress monitored (assessed) bi-weekly to assess progress. (They may also have an IEP-Individualized Educational Plan.)
How does my child 'qualify' for RtI?
All students are administered benchmark assessments three times per year. Grade level RtI meetings are held four times per year. At those teacher team RtI meetings, student data is shared and the success of the Tier 1 interventions implemented are discussed. A determination is then made by the team as to whether a student would benefit from further Tier 2 (or Tier 3) interventions. The process is strictly adhered to so that students are taken through the tiers as described.
What intervention(s) will my child receive and how will I know?
Appropriate interventions are determined by the RtI team with the individual student's needs taken into consideration to make the perfect fit. Along with contact from the classroom teacher, Diane Luscombe, Oak Ridge's RtI coordinator, will contact you via email or by a written communication. Home to school communication is strongly encouraged so that the student receives the best possible support. When a student knows the school and the home are working as a 'team' the outcomes are positive!
What happens if my child isn't successful after receiving RtI?
If a Tier 2 RtI'd student does not show measurable improvement at an acceptable rate of growth, a second round of a different intervention is put into place. If after two rounds (typically 10 week rounds),the student still does not show measurable improvement at an acceptable rate of growth, a Tier 3 (more intensive) intervention is put into place. This may or may not be in the form of a Special Education referral. Regardless, parents will always be kept informed of the team's plan to ensure their student makes academic progress.