Response to Intervention (RTI)

As an educator, it is my belief that one of the most positive changes to education that has taken place lately is Response to Intervention (RTI). RTI is a school-wide, multi-level instructional and behavioral system meant to prevent school failure. It is most frequently used in a 3 tier model that looks like this:

                                                                              

• Tier 1, or the bottom tier, is whole class instruction. In this tier 80-90% of students will make benchmark
• Tier 2, or the center tier, offers more intense instruction which might include small group instruction or increased time in the needed subject area. In this area another 10-15% of students are able to meet benchmark. 
• Tier 3, or the top tier, offers even more intense instruction for the approximately 5% of students that have yet to meet benchmark. Instruction in this area will likely include one on one instruction from an RTI trained staff member. 

In order for RTI to be successful schools must require high quality instruction, progress monitoring, screening, and data based decision making. They should also have a designated RTI team in each school.