Response-to-Intervention: A Quick Overview

School psychologists play a crucial role in the Response to Intervention process.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a framework used in education to identify and support students who may be struggling academically or behaviorally. The goal of RTI is to provide early and targeted interventions to help students succeed in school.

RTI typically involves a multi-tiered approach with the following key components:

1. Universal Screening: All students are assessed using standardized measures to identify those who may be at risk for academic or behavioral difficulties.

2. Tiered Interventions:

• Tier 1 (Universal): All students receive high-quality, evidence-based instruction in the general education classroom. This is the first level of support, and it is provided to all students.

• Tier 2 (Targeted): Students who continue to struggle despite receiving Tier 1 instruction receive additional, more targeted interventions. These interventions are more focused and specific to the student's needs.

• Tier 3 (Intensive): Students who do not make sufficient progress with Tier 2 interventions receive even more intensive and individualized support. This may include specialized instruction or services.

3. Progress Monitoring: Students' progress is regularly monitored to determine if the interventions are effective. If a student shows improvement, they may continue with the current level of support. If progress is not sufficient, adjustments to the interventions may be made.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making: The decisions about which interventions to provide are based on data collected through ongoing assessments. This data helps educators adjust their approach to better meet the needs of the student.

5. Parent Involvement: Parents or guardians are typically included in the RTI process. They are informed about their child's progress and involved in decision-making regarding interventions.

6. Collaboration among Educators: RTI requires collaboration among teachers, specialists, and other school staff to design and implement effective interventions.

The RTI framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of students. It is also a proactive approach to identifying and addressing learning and behavioral challenges early, before they escalate.

It's worth noting that RTI is often used in conjunction with other special education processes, such as the identification and evaluation of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States. RTI can be a part of the process used to determine if a student qualifies for special education services.