Instruction in Tiers One, Two, and Three &

Special Education Services

In simplest terms, Tier 1 consists of high-quality instruction for all students in every classroom. In addition to a learning environment characterized by positive relationships, Tier One always includes:

• The belief that all students can and will meet grade-level expectations

• Learning activities aligned to grade-level expectations

• Instructional practices, including supports, that are validated by research

• Ongoing formative to check for student understanding

Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction (intervention) is provided to students in addition to ongoing Tier One instruction. Instruction in these tiers vary by the number of students in each setting, the frequency of instruction, and the frequency of progress monitoring. The purpose of instruction in tiers 2 and 3 is to provide additional support to students so that they are meeting curricular benchmarks.

It is a misconception that SRBI is the "gateway" to special education and a separate service only for students without an IEP. Intervention services (SRBI) are available to all students; prohibiting a student with an IEP to intervention services is denying access to general education services. It is not only bad practice but it also illegal.

Special education services provide qualified students with disabilities to Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). SDI is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as “adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction:

(i) To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability; and

(ii) To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum…”