RTI: Response to InterventionAn Invitation to Begin…Rutgers ConferenceJanuary 2015

Janet HigginsReading SpecialistEast Amwell Township SchoolRutgers Center for Literacy Developmentjhiggins@eastamwell.org

What is RTI?

RTI…

Occurs in a general education model

Identifies struggling, at-risk learners

Uses assessment data to identify students and monitor learning

Provides systematic, research-based instruction

RTI TEAMS

The following educators will be involved…Grade Level TeachersSupport TeachersInterventionistsReading SpecialistsLiteracy SpecialistsChild Study Team MembersAdministrators

The RTI Model

Key Elements of RTI

A Multi-Tiered Instruction Model

Example of RTI: 3 Tiers

Let’s TURN and TALK. What are we doing that fits these categories?

Tier 1 might involve adopting a research-based reading curriculum and screen all students for reading problems three times per year to determine which students might need supports beyond the school-wide reading curriculum.

At Tier 2 , students who are identified as being at-risk of experiencing problems receive supplemental or small-group interventions.

At Tier 3 , an additional layer of intensive supports is available to address the needs of a smaller percentage of students (e.g., 2%–7%) who are experiencing problems and are at risk of developing more severe problems. At Tier 3, the goal is remediation of existing problems and prevention of more severe problems or the development of secondary concerns as a result of persistent problems. For example, at Tier 3, a student whose reading performance falls significantly below that of his or her peers, despite intervention, might receive intensive reading support from the learning assistant four times per week with close monitoring of his or her progress.

(adapted from: Considering Tier 3 Within a Response-to-Intervention Model by Ruth A. Ervin, Ph.D)

Components of Tier I Instruction

Tier One

Tier 1

All students in Tier 1 receive high-quality, scientifically based instruction, differentiated to meet their needs, and are screened on a periodic basis to identify struggling learners who need additional support.

(http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

What does Tier One look like?Whole Class

Small Group

One on One

By Classroom Teacher

Direct teaching of skills and strategies.

Differentiated instruction based on assessment results.

Instruction modeled to meet students' needs.

Teacher support.

Student practice.

Monitored student progress.

Reteaching as necessary.

(Adapted from: Classroom Reading Instruction That Supports Struggling Readers by Carolyn A. Denton)

Components of Tier II Instruction

Grouping Students at Tier II

Tier 2

In Tier 2, students not making adequate progress in the core curriculum are provided with increasingly intensive instruction matched to their needs on the basis of levels of performance and rates of progress.

(http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

What does Tier 2 look like?

1. Data-driven for entrance and exit.

2. Small group instruction outside of the classroom

3. Clearly focused with goals for exit.

Tier 2 is meant to provide a limited, but targeted, support system for students who struggle to meet grade-level performance standards. The goal of Tier 2 is to remediate academic skill deficits with the idea that in doing so, students will be successful in the Tier 1 program without support.

(Adapted from: How to Develop an Effective Tier 2 System by Evelyn Johnson, Ed.D.)

Components of Tier III Instruction

Grouping Students at Tier III

Tier 3

At this level, students receive individualized, intensive interventions that target the students' skill deficits for the remediation of existing problems and the prevention of more severe problems.

(http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

What does Tier 3 look like?

Meets as frequently as possible.Instruction is in addition to classroom and Tier 2.Intervention specialist, content specialist, special education teacher.Strategically structured remediation or intervention program.More intensive practice.Review and reteach.Immediate correction.Intensive guided practice.

(Adapted from: Distinguishing Between Tier 2 and Tier 3 Instruction in Order to Support Implementation of RTI by Jason E. Harlacher, Ph.D., Marzano Research Laboratory, Amanda Sanford, Ph.D., Portland State University, and Nancy Nelson Walker, Ph.D., Center on Teaching and Learning, University of Oregon)

Support from RTI TEAMS

Many variations but should include…

Grade Level Teachers

Administration

Support Teachers

Reading Specialists

Literacy Specialists

Child Study Team

Summary of Academic Assessment

Assessment EXAMPLES

Screening:DIBELS, Running Records, STAR READING, STAR MATH

Academic SkillsIQ, COGAT, OLSAT

Progress MonitoringDRA2, Accelerated Reading/Math, Reading A-Z, Running Records

Outcome AssessmentPARCC, Unit Tests, Report Cards, Benchmark Levels

Guidance for Instruction at Tier 2 and 3

1. Concentrated instruction that focuses on targeted reading skills and strategies.

2. Adjusted pace.3. Multiple sessions.4. High quality practice.5. Immediate feedback.6. Mastery of skills