Instructional Strategies & Activities for Each Tier of RTII
Tier 1: General Classroom Instruction
Who is Involved: All students and the general education teacher.
Tailored Teaching: Adjusting lessons to fit different learning styles.
Hands-On Learning: Using activities that involve touching and doing.
Group Work: Encouraging students to work together.
Activities: Read-Alouds (teachers read books to the class); Learning Centers (stations with different literacy activities); Shared Writing (writing together as a class).
Tier 2: Small Group Help
If we notice that a student is not making the expected progress with the general classroom instruction alone, we may provide additional support through Tier 2 interventions. This means the student will receive more focused help in small groups to address specific areas where they need improvement. The goal is to give them the extra support they need to catch up and succeed alongside their peers.
Who is Involved: Students needing extra support, a general education teacher, and sometimes a reading specialist.
Phonics Lessons: Teaching sounds and letters.
Guided Reading: Reading in small groups with teacher support.
Building Vocabulary: Learning new words.
Activities: Phonics Games (fun activities to learn sounds and letters); reading practice (timed reading to improve speed); using new words (activities to practice new vocabulary).
Tier 3: One-on-One Help
If a student continues to struggle despite the additional support provided in Tier 2, they may need more intensive, individualized help. This is where Tier 3 interventions come in. Tier 3 involves one-on-one instruction tailored specifically to the student's unique needs, ensuring they receive the focused attention necessary to make significant progress.
Who is Involved: Students needing intensive support, special education teacher, and sometimes other specialists.
Personal Tutoring: Individual lessons to address specific needs.
Direct Teaching: Clear and structured lessons.
Regular Check-Ins: Frequent assessments to track progress.
Activities: Custom Reading Plans (personalized reading lists); structured programs (specific programs for reading skills); feedback sessions (regular meetings to discuss progress).
Additional Resources
Here are some excellent websites that provide valuable information and resources for parents about RTII and literacy support:
Reading Rockets: Offers a comprehensive overview of RTII, including articles, videos, and practical tips for parents.
National Center on Improving Literacy: Provides a variety of resources specifically for parents, including guides, videos, and downloadable materials to support your child's literacy development.
A Parent’s Guide to Response to Intervention (RTI): Explains RTII in detail, including the three-tier model, progress monitoring, and how RTII relates to special education.
Prodigy Education: Offers a list of 40 free educational resources for parents to help their children with learning and well-being across various grade levels.