1. What is Response to Intervention?
Response to Intervention (RtI) is a process that provides intervention and educational support to all students at increasing levels of intensity based on individual needs. The goal is to prevent problems and intervene early so that students can be successful. Part of the RtI process is Universal Screening, which takes place three times across the school year at Southeast Primary and Intermediate School. Students receive scores which compare them to other students in their same grade level across the nation. If your child has scores below the 40th percentile, the teachers and administrators will look at this information as well as all other school data (such as performance on state assessments and teacher-made tests and quizzes) to determine if your child needs more small group support. Times are built into the school day to allow opportunities for student growth to occur, which is separate from the whole-group instruction that all students receive in all core areas.
2. What is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a federal, state, and local initiative to support prosocial development in all students. PBIS promotes increased learning time, positive and calm environments, and increased attendance and achievement while decreasing disruptive behaviors. Evidence-based practices that are associated with PBIS include: school-wide expectations, building and classroom rules, and acknowledgement systems (e.g., behavior specific praise statements). Southeast Local Schools embraces PBIS by recognizing student successes, by having systems to support staff and student development, and by using data about behavior to support decisions.
3. What should I do if my son or daughter needs more help?
If you believe your child is struggling, talk with your child’s teacher. Learn more about the curriculum, assessments, and interventions being used and inquire about their progress. Participate in conferences and other meetings about your child and review and assist with homework assignments. Celebrate your child’s successes and be sure to ask their teacher about their strengths as well as what is working in the classroom. We do value the parent’s role in assisting with promoting positive student growth in all developmental areas. If you feel that further support is necessary, talk with your child's teacher or principal about an Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meeting. An IAT meeting is a problem-solving forum designed to address concerns with student behavior or academics. Depending on the referred student's grade level, this team may include a variety of different school professionals, as well as the student's parents/guardians.
4. If my child has a medical diagnosis (e.g., ADHD), does that automatically qualify him or her for special education services in schools?
No, a medical diagnosis given by an outside professional (e.g., doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist) does not automatically qualify a student for special education services in the State of Ohio. Medical diagnoses are typically based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, while educational diagnoses are based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. For example, there is no direct educational diagnosis that equates to a medical diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Thus, there may be students with an ADHD diagnosis who qualify for special education services under one or more of the educational disability categories in Ohio (e.g., Other Health Impairment). In addition, there may be students with ADHD who qualify for a 504 Plan, and still others who don't qualify for special education services or a 504 Plan. The educational needs that each student demonstrates is the greatest determinant of whether a student qualifies for additional services in the educational setting.
If a parent shares a medical diagnosis with the Southeast Local School District, the district is required to consider the diagnosis as new information for the purposes of educating the child. For example, Southeast Local School District may offer to meet with the parent(s) and/or speak with the outside professional in order to consider the information. If your son or daughter has received a medical diagnosis, and you believe this condition may be impacting their performance at school, please consult with your child's teacher and principal to determine the next steps. An Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meeting may be arranged in order to have a relevant school-based team consider the medical diagnosis and its implications with you. Please bring any outside medical reports or other documentation with you to the IAT meeting.