Frequently Asked Questions About RTI

FAQ: Response to Intervention (RTI)

1. Q: What is Response to Intervention (RTI)?

A: Response to Intervention is a multitiered process that provides interventions to struggling learners at increasing levels of intensity. Universal screenings are used for the early identification of struggling learners. The process allows for collaboration between teachers, specialists, and parents in order to plan strategies and the use of resources to help a student make progress in the general curriculum.

2. Q: What is the purpose of RTI?

A: RTI is intended to provide interventions to a student before they begin to fail. This is different from the discrepancy method which has been called the "wait to fail" approach. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 allows the use of RTI data as part of the evaluation for learning disabilities. This Act adds the concept in eligibility that prohibits children from being found eligible for special education if they have not received instruction in the five components of reading as identified by Reading First. The components are: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

3. Q: What are the other benefits to RTI?

A: RTI has many benefits. It promotes collaboration between general education and special education professionals, earlier identification of students using a problem-solving approach, and the provision of more instructionally relevant data.

4. Q: What are the central principles of Response to Intervention?

A: First, schools should use scientific, researched-based interventions and instruction in general education. These interventions and instruction should have a high probability of success for the majority of the students. Teachers should monitor classroom performance and progress to ensure students are meeting grade-level standards on a regular basis. Waiting until information is provided on statewide assessments does not allow the teacher to adjust their teaching and lesson plans throughout the year.

These are just four of many of the questions about RTI. As the year progresses we will continue to answer more questions. If you have a question about RTI, please send it in an email and we will do our best to address it.