The Truth About RTI

What does response to intervention mean?

“Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs.”(Gorski).  RTI is an acronym that a lot of parents fear hearing because there is a common misconception that it means their child has a learning disability.  Don't worry, that's not necessarily true. In fact, RTI is a system to ensure students who need instructional support, get that support.

The Model

“Though there is no single, thoroughly researched and widely practiced “model” of the RTI process, it is generally defined as a three-tier (or three-step) model of school supports that uses research-based academic and/or behavioral interventions.”(Gorski).

The RTI model is a bit idealistic and the majority of schools with an at-risk population will see around 50%-70% in the tier 1 stage.  This can be overwhelming for teachers as the documentation can become extremely time-consuming.  Schools with high at-risk populations must designate additional support to help teachers with the RTI monitoring.

Each tier should receive roughly the same amount of time for independent and small group instruction. But what does it mean when a teacher says, we're moving your child to "Tier 2," please sign this paperwork? Below are some general characteristics of students at each tier in the RTI model.

Tier 1:

• Scholars benefit from the school-wide adopted curriculum.
• Scholars must be challenged to meet their potential.  

Tier 2:  

• Scholars who fall below the expected levels of accomplishment (called benchmarks)
• At-risk for academic failure.
• Benefit from small group instruction (5-7 students) with a strategic approach to remediation.

Tier 3:

• Scholars who are considered to be at high risk for failure
• Candidates for identification could have special education needs.
• Scholars benefit from individual or small group instruction (3 to 5 students).
• Tier 3 is considered special education in some schools; however, in many RTI models, the students are not identified as special education students at this point.

How does response to intervention promote student learning?

Education in America has come a long ways and will always be a work in progress.  We’ve been down the road of the “one-size fits all” model that fails time and again.  The RTI model holds teachers and schools accountable to ensure that all students are receiving instruction that is rigorous and challenging for their developmental level. There is no doubt that teachers are promoting student learning by differentiating their instruction based on the RTI model and progress monitoring.

What does response to intervention look like in the classroom?

You should see a variety of instructional methods taking place that differentiate the instruction to meet the needs of all learners.  If you’re an administrator or a visiting parent to your scholar’s classroom, focus on “The Key Three” below and take mental notes.

The Key Three (based on the Universal Design for Learning):

1. How is the material being presented to the students?
2. How are the students allowed to express what they’ve learned?
3. What’s the student engagement like?  How does the teacher keep interest, encourage effort, and promote self-reflection?

So, the next time you hear your child's teacher mention RTI and differentiated instruction, remember, that's a good thing. It means they're giving your child the support they need to be successful.

Gorski, Deb. "What is RTI?." What is Response to Intervention (RTI)? | RTI Action Network. n.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.

How to Help Your Scholar Avoid Summer Learning Loss

Most parents and teachers would agree students should enjoy summer break and relax a little following a daunting school year.  But this often leaves many parents, educators, and schools with one question:  What about summer learning loss?

Summer learning loss can be avoided with a little effort in planning a simple summer learning schedule and the research shows that a little is enough.

Research and Summer Learning Loss

Summer learning loss is the loss in academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer break.  Research shows that the learning loss depends on several factors, which include grade level, subject matter, and family income.

While all students experience some form of learning loss, some students are more vulnerable than others.  “Children who are the most susceptible are those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minorities and students with exceptionalities (Graham, 2011; Guryan & Kim, 2010; & Kim, 2006). Further, it is predominantly literacy-related skills that are affected the most (Graham,2011).”

Planning a Summer Learning Schedule

Students spend roughly 180 days a year on a very structured schedule at school.  Structure is necessary for students as they become more fluent with transitions and expectations.  Structure is often missing over summer vacation.

A simple scheduled to help students avoid summer learning loss.  I propose that the summer schedule be created with the student.  Students are more inclined to take ownership of their summer goals and schedule if they’re part of the planning.  

Creating a plan will enable the student to expand their goal setting and self-reflection skills.  Designating a journal to document goal progress will also help.

Learning = Fun

Summer learning can be as enjoyable or as unpleasant as the parent/educator makes it.  Learning should be engaging.  Summer is a fabulous time to include other activities that involve learning and critical thinking while having fun.  

Lego's, model car kits, and puzzles are excellent toys for developing critical thinking skills.  Family game night?  Monopoly, chess, and card games all support learners observe patterns, plan ahead, and learn from experience.  

There’s no shortage of online websites and mobile apps to support student learning.  Take some time to scout out a few digital resources your scholar may be interested in and structure them into another learning block.

(Check out Graphite for a nice collection of suggestions, reviews, and ratings for online educational tools!)

Don’t forget that trips to a pool, park, museum, and library are learning experiences that will also have a lasting impression on their desire to learn more.  

So it is clear that although students do deserve a mental break, summer learning loss can be avoided by creating a learning plan, designating the time, and fostering the love of learning.

For more specific ideas, questions, and suggestions, please feel free to send in a message.