Response to Intervention (RTI)

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a system for identifying students who are struggling and providing them the additional help they need to be successful. Imagine a pyramid. The base is composed of students whose needs can be adequately met by high-quality instruction in the general education classroom with minimal progress monitoring in key areas. For example, they would only be given DIBELS testing at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year. However, for some students, this is not be enough. After testing data or teacher observation reveals problems, the general educator can conduct interventions to address the issue. If after three interventions--each lasting eight to 12 weeks--the student still fails to make progress, they are entitled to Tier 2 services, which involves more frequent progress monitoring at the rate of at least once every other week. If the student needs more support, they can qualify for additional services at Tier 3 level, which involves even more frequent and precise progress monitoring. Tier 3 interventions are ideally conducted one-to-one and tailored to a student's specific needs. RTI at the higher levels requires specific skills and should be administered only by a special educator, not parent volunteers. Also, the second and third tier should supplement general classroom instruction, not replace it. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts caused by budget cuts make this unrealistic in many cases.

The National Center on the Response to Intervention offers additional information defining RTI and its implementation. The site also includes definitions of key terms and a mind map of RTI's essential components. The series of webinars are also useful.

RTI Action Network's content overlaps The National Center on the Response to Intervention, but their website format seems more navigable. Vistors to the page can click on the tabs at the left to learn more about RTI, create a plan incorporating RTI's essential components, connect with others in the field, and develop professionally. The headings at the top addressing particular demographic groups within the education population--pre-K, K-5, middle school, high school, and higher ed--is helpful for people focusing on a particular student or age rather than seeking information on RTI in general. In addition to their link for parents and families, RTI Action Network also has an extensive annotated bibliography for individuals who are scholastically inclined.