RTI stands for Response To Intervention. Some schools refer it to a “multi-tiered system of support,” or MTSS. We use RTI to help all our students, including our struggling learners. Our goal is to ensure the success of all our students.
In 2004, Congress passed the Individuals with Disability Education Improvement Act (IDEA). RTI is one of the ways that IDEA uses to identify students that are working below their expected grade level. Our teachers provide interventions as soon as they see students having difficulties. Teachers record the progress of their at risk students. If students do not catch up over time, it might be a sign of a learning disability. RTI records are helpful if a student needs to be evaluated for 504 services or special education.
RTI is used by our district for reading, math, speech, and behavior. At our campuses, we do the following:
1. Campuses conduct universal screeners to help us identify students not performing at grade level.
2. Campuses implement a three tier model. Tier I ensures teachers are providing effective instruction. Tier II ensures that a customized designed intervention is developed. Tier III provides a more intense, individualized intervention with a highly trained staff member.
3. The RTI committee uses a problem solving approach to define the problem, develop a plan, implement the plan, and evaluate.
4. Teachers use scientifically research based strategies to provide effective instruction.
5. The campuses must notify parents if their students are going through the RTI process and of the progress of their childs’ interventions.