What is RTI?

Response to Intervention (RTI) is an assessment-intervention model that allows schools to deliver sound instructional methods to all students. In RTI, all students are screened and monitored for specific educational outcomes. Those needing additional assistance are given targeted intervention that is monitored systematically using scientifically based data recording procedures. RTI uses a multi-tier model of intervention. Each tier represents an increasing level of instruction matched to the student's needs. Movement between tiers is decided by the RTI Team based on student academic growth measured through screening and progress monitoring.

Over the years, the education policy and law has increasingly recognized the importance of prevention and intervention for student learning. Recent changes in two major US education policies (i.e., No Child Left Behind, NCLB; The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA 2004) reflect this importance. With the implementation of NCLB, IDEA 2004 and subsequent changes to the Massachusetts education regulations, school districts are required to use a systematic data based RTI model in general education prior to identifying students with a specific learning disability.