What is Response to Intervention?

1. What is Response to Intervention? RtI • Early identification and intervention which can prevent … • … at risk students from falling behind • Coordinated, multi-tier intervention system • High-quality instruction • Intensive interventions • Benefits all students • Reduces inappropriate special education referrals

2. Why Do We Have RtI? “Both researchers and educators have come to realize that the discrepancy approach to specific learning disability (SLD) identification has many significant limitations” (Fuchs & Mellard, 2007). One problem is that discrepancies are usually identified after a child has experienced significant academic failure. Therefore, this approach is often characterized as a “WAIT TO FAIL” model. Response to Intervention and Specific Learning Disabilities, Authors: Whitney Donaldson, American Institutes for Research

3. Our main goal is getting students the help they need in the classroom so they can succeed. ? Prevention of academic/behavior problems ¡ Attend to skill gaps early ¡ Provide interventions/instruction early ¡ Close skill gaps to prevent failure Pattern of inadequate response to interventions may result in referral to special education Student intervention response data are considered for SLD eligibility Using learning rates over time and level of performance to make important educational decisions.

4. Qualifying a student for special education services is a life changing event, and should not be taken lightly. • The main focus for RtI is to determine the least restrictive environment for a student. • The main goal is getting students the help they need in the classroom so they can succeed.

5. High Quality Instructional Practices ? High quality instructional practice responds to the individual differences within the classroom. ? We must provide differentiated instruction that puts the student at the center of teaching and learning. ? The students needs should drive instruction!

6. Problem Solving Method What is the problem? Did it work? Why is it happening? What should be done about it?

7. 3 tiers Tier 1 video: http://dww.ed.gov/media/DDI/RIR/DI/Learn/flashoverview/index.htm Tier 2 and 3 video: http://dww.ed.gov/media/DDI/RIR/SI/Learn/flashoverview/index.htm Be aware - these videos suggest time allotments

8. RtI is a process for achieving higher levels of academic and behavioral success for all students through: High Quality Instructional Practice Continuous Review of Student Progress (multiple measures) Collaboration

9. Video review: http://dww.ed.gov/media/DDI/RIR/TopicLevel/index.htm Practice guide downloads: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications/practiceguides/

10. High Quality Instructional Practices ? High quality instructional practice responds to the individual differences within the classroom. ? We must provide differentiated instruction that puts the student at the center of teaching and learning. ? The students needs should drive instruction!

11. RTI Timeframes ? Tier I Baseline data and academic information collection- 1 Week ¡ Tier I interventions – 2-3 documented instructional weeks ÷ 3-4 Instructional Weeks Total ? Tier II Tier II Interventions- 2-4 Weeks ¡ Intensive Tier II Interventions- 4-5 Weeks In order to complete the RTI process we need at least 9-10 weeks of rigorous data collection from classroom teachers, Title I teachers, support staff, and academic coaches.

12. RTI Resources ? www.interventioncentral.org ? http://dww.ed.gov/

13. After a hasty special education placement for behavior problems, school officials were embarrassed to learn that Marcus really did have ants in his pants!