Journal 4

Reid, R.  RtI:  Innovations in prevention and intervention.  Summer Leadership Institute.  July 17, 2008.

In his keynote address, Rich Reid identified successful approaches to education reform.  Specifically, Reid addressed the implementation of RtI, an approach which focuses on inclusion in the general education classroom paired with early identification of learning difficulties.  Using universal assessments, RtI focuses on identifying students struggling in certain areas and implementing supports and interventions in the general education classroom.  If students do not respond to increasingly intensive forms of intervention, they are referred to evaluation for traditional special education services.

RtI is a general education movement with an inclusive focus that requires collaboration between general and special educators.  Reid identified human relationships as the foundation of successful educational reform.  Too often there is an "us" and "them" mentality between general educators and special educators.  In order to successfully implement positive programs like RtI, educators must collaborate effectively and look beyond credentials and titles to focus on what is best for students.  In this case, collaboration between professionals promotes integration of students and education equity.

What is RtI?

Response to Intervention.  This is a three-tiered model:

Tier 1:  All students receive research-based instruction in the core curriculum.  Students are monitored throughout the year and those struggling with the core curriculum are identified for additional instruction.

Tier 2:  Struggling students identified in Tier 1 are given research-based interventions.  These interventions usually take place in small groups in the general education classroom (for example, during "learning stations).  Students who show adequate "response to interventions" return to the core curriculum.  Students who do not respond then proceed to Tier 3.

Tier 3:  Intensity of interventions increases, with students receiving individual or small group attention daily in problem areas.  Student who do not respond to intervention are usually evaluated for special education.

What are the benefits of RtI?  

1.  With RtI, students do not "wait to fail."  Special education eligibility is based on discrepancy model which requires students to fall far behind before qualifying for services, whereas RtI provides support immediately.  Additionally, students from ethnic minorities and low socioeconomic status are over identified for special education, largely due to cultural differences in learning or a lack of educational opportunities, respectively.  RtI addresses these individual differences and prevents students from being misplaced in special education.