Lori WolfeOctober 9, 2010

Definition of RTI according to NCRTI (National Center on Response to Intervention)

Response to intervention integrates assessment and intervention within a multi-level prevention system to maximize student achievement and to reduce behavioral problems. With RTI, schools use data to identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions depending on a student’s responsiveness, and identify students with learning disabilities or other disabilities.

In Plain LanguageRTI is

A process of implementing high-quality, scientifically validated instructional practices based on learner needs, monitoring student progress, and adjusting instruction based on student’s response.

Response to Intervention IS…

The practice of providing high-quality instruction/intervention matched to student needs based on data to make collaborative educational decisions.

Response to Intervention IS NOT…

An instructional programA specific model for instructionAn indication of a need for special

education servicesCompleting steps in a processPossible to implement alone

Response to Intervention Can Include:ReadingWritingMathReading is the most common subject targeted

for RTI

RTI Core Principles(This is an interrelated process that is applied to all students)

A process that matches a student’s needs with the intervention

Universal school-wide screening of academics and behavior

Leads to increased parental involvementHigh-quality, standards-based curriculumResearched-based instruction and intervention

in general education classroomData-based decision-makingA collaborative problem-solving approach for

evaluating and adjusting instructional practice

Successful RTI Implementation Needs To Have 7 Components in Place

1. A principal dedicated to making RTI work2. Effective core curriculum3. A committed team consisting of both general

and special education, collaboration is KEY4. Strong and continuous professional

development5. Reliable assessments6. Effective interventions7. Ability to use assessment data effectively

For RTI To Work We Need To Change Our Thinking

Shift our thinking from:

Why isn’t the student TO

learning?

How can educators

collaborate toassist the learning of

all students?

What is the Usual Structure of RTI

A pyramid divided into three tiersEach Tier differs in intensity

Tier I: core curriculum, ALL students begin here, 80% of students never leave this tier

Tier II: strategic, 15% of students, interventions, duration is about 8 weeks

Tier III: intensive, 5% of students, often special education

Tier I In More DetailTOPIC

TIER IUNIVERSAL

Focus All Students

Grouping Multiple, flexible grouping to meet diverse students’ needs

SettingGeneral education classroom

Time90 minutes a day of core instruction

InterventionistGeneral education teacher and/or co-

teacher

AssessmentBenchmark assessment occurring quarterly

Tier II In More DetailTOPIC

TIER IISTRATEGIC

Focus Students not responding to Tier I intervention

Grouping Small group instruction(1:3, 1:4, 1:5)

SettingMay be general education classroom or

another appropriate setting designated by team

TimeMinimum of 30 minutes per day (3-4 x per

week) in addition to core instruction

InterventionistPersonnel determined by team (classroom teacher, special educator, interventionist,

etc)

AssessmentProgress monitoring weekly on target skill

to ensure adequate progress

Tier III In More DetailTOPIC

TIER IIIINTENSIVE

Focus Students not responding to Tier I and Tier II intervention

Grouping Individualized or small group instruction(1:1, 1:2, 1:3)

SettingMay be general education classroom or

another appropriate setting designated by team

TimeMinimum of 30-50 minutes daily in small group or individually in addition to core

instruction

InterventionistPersonnel determined by team (classroom teacher, special educator, interventionist,

etc)

AssessmentProgress monitoring daily on target skill

We Have More Than 20% in Tier II What Should We Do?

Take a good look at your core curriculumProvide staff with increased staff

development

Reallocating ResourcesRTI does not come with extra money,

materials or personnelAs a result we need to reallocate our existing

resources:TimeStaffSpaceExpertiseMaterials, books, strategies

Collaboration Planning Sheet at Northport

RtI Planning: What is it we expect student’s to learn? Identifying Essential Standards Grade Level: _____ Subject:______________ Team Members:

_______________________________________

Standard/Description

Example/Rigor Prior Skills Needed

Common Assessment

When Taught Group Teacher

Explanation For Categories On Planning Sheet

1. Standard: What is the essential standard to be learned? Describe in student-friendly vocabulary.

2. Example/Rigor: What does proficient student work look like? Provide an example and/or description.

3. Prior Skills Needed: What prior knowledge, skills, and/or vocabulary is needed for a student to master this standard?

4. Common Assessment: What assessment(s) will be used to measure student mastery?

5. When will this standard be taught?6. Who will be teaching?

Collaboration Planning Sheet at Northport RTI Planning: What is it we expect student’s to learn? Identifying Essential Standards Grade Level: 2 Subject: Reading Team Members: _______________________________________

Standard/Description

Example/Rigor Prior Skills Needed

Common Assessment

When Taught Group Teacher

Phonemic/Sight Words

20 sight Words District Assessment 30 minutes 5 times weekly

CyndieDan

Phonics/Sight Words 200 Sight Words District Assessment 30 minutes

5 times weekly

Diane

Higher Phonics/Sight Words 290 Sight Words District Assessment

30 minutes 5 times weekly

TobiNicole

Phonics/Fluency80% informal Phonics Survey

Teacher Created Assessment

30 minutes 5 times weekly

Lana

Mid Fluency/Comprehension 15 Fluency Rubric District Assessment

30 minutes 5 times weekly

Laura

 High Comprehension 16+ Fluency Rubric

DRA 24+District Assessment 30 minutes

5 times weekly

Kim

Enrichment(Accelerated Reader Tests Twice weekly)

90% or more on Accelerated Reader Tests

Accelerated Reader Tests

30 minutes 5 times weekly

Patrick and CrewElisa

Why Adopt an RTI Model?For 25 years the practice was to

refer, test, place. This had to change.Reform needed to occur that was

systematic and was understood by both special and regular education teachers.

RTI emerged in response to this as a regular education initiative.

No, it’s not a “regular ed” or a “special ed” issue, it is an “ed” issue!

RTI is a way to identify learning disabilitiesStudents may get the support needed

immediately-when they first show signs they are having trouble learning.

This support is given whether or not they have a disability.

The focus is on student outcomes, not a focus on identification and placement.

Is RTI a special education program?

Is RTI a special education program? Special education is an important component

of a comprehensive RTI framework RTI has the ability to change how we

educate ALL students.All staff (principal, general ed, special ed,

content specialists, psychologists) should work together to implement the RTI framework and make decisions regarding appropriate intensity of interventions for students. Movement to less intensive levels of the prevention framework should be a high priority, as appropriate.

What does RTI have to do with identifying students for

special education? IDEA 2004 allows states to use a process

based on a student’s response to scientific, research-based interventions to determine if the child has a specific learning disability (SLD). In an RTI framework, a student’s response to or success with instruction and interventions received across the levels of RTI would be considered as part of the comprehensive evaluation for SLD eligibility.

Competing IdeasReading RecoverySystem 44Accelerated ReaderGuided ReadingRead 180

Implementing RTI Takes Time !

Implementation can take up to five yearsTake a year to plan RTI before jumping

into itEvaluate the RTI implementation at year

end each yearDetermine if modifications need to be

made for the next yearInput should be from all staff