What is Response to Intervention (RtI)?

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. The RtI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of personnel, including general education teachers, special educators, and specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on individual student response to instruction. RtI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by child outcome data.  (from RHCSD)

Tiers Explained

Tier 1- High Quality Classroom Instruction

Students identified as being "at risk" in an academic or behavioral area through a variety of baseline measures receive Tier 1 interventions by their classroom teacher for a minimum of six weeks. During that time, classroom teachers monitor progress using curriculum-based assessments. At the end of the six-week period, students who continue to struggle are moved to Tier 2. 

Tier 2 -Targeted Interventions

Students who continue to struggle achieving grade level benchmarks and for whom Tier I interventions are not supportive enough receive Tier 2 “targeted interventions". These services are in addition to the general curriculum and typically occur in a small group setting. Tier 2 interventions may be provided by the classroom teacher as well as a licensed teacher in the area that the student is receiving support. Students who continue to show little progress at this level of intervention are then considered for more intensive interventions and may move to Tier 3. 

Tier 3 - Intensive Inventions and Evaluations

Students at this level receive individualized, intensive interventions specific to the student’s highest area(s) of need. If these interventions do not glean the desired level of progress, a comprehensive evaluation may be requested to determine eligibility for special education services under the individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004. Data from all three levels is used to make an informed decision.

Benefits of RtI

• RtI ensures a shared approach in addressing students’ diverse needs.
• RtI’s use of progress monitoring provides more instructionally relevant information than traditional assessments.
• RtI helps to identify the root cause of achievement problems.
• RtI eliminates the “wait to fail” situation, because students get help promptly within the general education setting.
• The RtI approach may help reduce the number of students referred for special education services while increasing the number of students who are successful within regular education.

(Adapted from RTI Action Network)