A Parent’s Guide to
Response to Intervention (RTI)
What is RTI?
RTI is a part of a problem solving process that is
used to provide instruction and interventions that are matched to students’
needs. All schools in
The RTI process is used to improve student
learning.
·
Has an RTI team that collaborates with teachers, parents,
and support personnel to identify a student’s area of need and recommend
strategies for educational success.
The
team utilizes the problem solving method.
·
Includes the collection of data which provides an
objective perspective of students and allows the teachers to enhance the learning
program for the students.
·
Has interventions that reflect
research-based, effective instructional strategies that will allow the students
to achieve at their optimal levels.
·
Provides for positive, incremental support with
increasing specificity using a
multi-tiered approach.
·
Provides individualized instruction for students who need
varied approaches to learning.
What is the multi-tiered approach?
The RTI process is described with a three-tier model that utilizes
increasingly more intensive interventions.
·
Tier I instruction is appropriate for all students. Students receive the core
curriculum.
·
Some students may need more support than is provided in
Tier I. Tier II
instruction includes the core
curriculum as well as more intensive interventions such
as instruction in small groups.
·
Some students may need more intensive interventions than
are provided in Tier II. Tier III
instruction includes the core curriculum, small group instruction, and more
intensive interventions such as one-on-one instruction. The effectiveness of the interventions in
Tier III leads to the determination of the need for a special education case
study evaluation.
How does the RTI process affect the special education evaluation process?
Special education eligibility decisions usually occur within Tier III if
students do not respond to the most intensive interventions, but may occur at
any tier. Parents may request a special
education evaluation at any time during the intervention process.
The data that are collected during the RTI process are used as part of the
evaluation process for determining eligibility for special education
services.
On-going assessments are an important part of each of the tiers so that
students’ progress can be monitored.
What is the role of parents in the RTI process?
Parents play an important role throughout the RTI process. The RTI team collaborates with parents of
students who are involved in the RTI process.
Parents provide insight into their children’s learning. They are involved in discussions about their
children’s progress and support their children’s learning at home.
Maximizing students’ learning is one of our top priorities and we very much
appreciate the support of students’ parents.