Response to itervention RTI is a multitier aproach to the early identification and remediation of students experiencing dificulties in learning this aproach in intervention is also used in helping students with behavioral needs.
The proccess starts with early identification and universal assessment that would identify students in need of specific remediation in helping the student overcome their learning challenges.
Struggling learners are provided interventions that would address the target learning gaps. The process involves the collection of data on student progress that needs to be monitored frequently to determine if intervention is effective in achieving the student’s goals in learning. In this model, the student is provided interventions at a different intensity to help a student achieve their learning targets and accelerate their rate of learning.
Essential Componets of RTI
– High-quality research-based classroom instruction in general education classroom. Small group, or one on one with special education teacher or educator.
-On-going student assessment / universal screening and progress monitoring that will provide information about student’s learning rate and level of achievement both individually and in -comparison to the peer group.
–Data is collected with frequency, analyzed to determine if intervention is effective/ or if a student needs closer monitoring.
–Educational decision’s about intensity duration are based on the individual learning needs of the student and the data points collected during a period of time.
–Evidence-based Instructional practice’s applied to Tiered instruction that differentiates instruction intensity, method matched to the student’s needs.
–Parental involvement is a crucial element in the success of students. The parent is provided frequent reports on the student’s progress parents are included in all areas, helping make the decisions that will benefit the student.
RTI consist of three Tiers
Tier 1 Low intensity interventions/ lower level in pyramid
Tier 2 secondary level of intervention is provided with more intensity and frequency student considered to be a greater risk/ middle section in the pyramid.
Tier 3 top-level in pyramid students in this level receive specific intervention with more frequency at this level if the intervention has not proven effective in addressing learning gaps student is referred to be evaluated to access if other factors exist that interfere with learning.
The request for evaluation can be requested by an Educator or a parent, this would start the Special education process/ the evaluation does Not qualify a student for Special education. The results of the student’s evaluation including the needs of the student must be considered in making the decision.
Refer to IDEA the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Including section 504 of the Reabilitation Act (1973) for rules and guidelines.
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Note there is a time frame in the guidelines in which students must be referred to be evaluated if the RTI process has failed to achieve the student’s goals and address the educational needs of the student. The educational entity has the responsibility to refer students to be evaluated in a reasonable time.
Child-Find Under IDEA
Child-find is the term used to describe the legal duty imposed by IDEA 2004 on public school districts to “find” children who may have a disability and need special education services. Under the law, schools have an affirmative duty to identify, locate, and evaluate students who they suspect may have a disability, to evaluate them for potential eligibility for special education services (see IDEA 2004, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(3) and 34 C.F.R. § 300.111). It is not enough for schools to wait until parents ask about or request a special education evaluation based on suspicion that their child may have a disability and struggle in school as a result. Schools must maintain a system of notices, outreach efforts, staff training, and referral processes designed to ascertain when there are reasonable grounds to suspect a disability and the potential need for special education services.
Resources for parents:
RTI Action network
Department of Education
Understood.org
Eduforspecialneeds.com
Parent Education 