RtI
A Parents' Guide to Response to Intervention (RtI)
What is Response to Intervention (RtI)?
RtI is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning needs. RtI is a regular education initiative required by Federal law. All students are eligible to receive supplemental services and instruction based on the individual needs of the students. The RtI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to acclerate their rate of learning.These services may be provided by general education teachers, special educators, and/or specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess individual student's learning rate and level of performance. Educational decisions about the interventions are based on student response to instruction.
What are tiers of intervention?
Tier 1: Screening & Group Interventions
Universal screening for all students, district-wide tests, and close monitoring occur in Tier I. Instruction is delivered in large and small groups during the student's regular school day in the regular classroom. Students not making adequate progress are moved to Tier II.
Tier II: Targeted Interventions
Students not making adequate progress in the regular classroom are provided more intensive services and interventions. Services are provided in addition to the general curriculum in a smaller group setting. At McGaughey, Tier II interventions may include remedial reading, after-school tutoring, RtI Block, leveled small group instruction within the classroom, and/or pull out services provided by a support staff specialist or Board approved volunteer. Students who show little progress at this level are considered for Tier III.
Tier III: Intensive Interventions & Comprehensive Evaluation
Students recieve small group or individual intensive interventions that target the student's skill deficits. At McGaughey, Tier III intervetions are provided in the resource room with the special educator/RtI specialist. The data collected during Tiers I-III are included and used to make a special education eligibility decision, if necessary.
What tools are used for universal screening at McGaughey?
All students at McGaughey are assessed three times per year using aimswebPlus reading and math benchmark assessments. These assessment results help guide instructional decisions for the school, classes, and individual students.
aimswebPlus :aimswebPlus consists of several individually-administered literacy and math assessments that assist teachers in making decisions about reading and math instruction and help teachers provide early literacy/numeracy support. aimswebPlus provides in depth information regarding multiple essential reading and math skills and provides teachers with an overall percentile rank in each skills. All results are compared to national norms for student performance within the same grade. The reading test provides in depth information regarding the student’s performance in the following areas: letter naming fluency, letter word sound fluency, initial sounds, phoneme segmentation, and oral reading fluency. The math test provides in depth information regarding the student’s performance in the following areas: number naming fluency, quantity total fluency, number comparison fluency, and math facts fluency.
How is RtI progress monitored at McGaughey?
RtI groups are formed to help students who are experiencing some difficulties with specific reading and/or math skills. Busy bee groups are formed for students who do not require an intervention at this time. All students are assigned to either an RtI intervention group or busy bee group based on the beginning of the year assessments and are assigned to a particular teacher for this group. Students attend their RtI Block intervention group or busy bee group four days a week for 25 minutes. This time does not replace any other Tier II services in place. The assigned teacher assesses progress and collects data every two weeks. The McGaughey RtI Team monitors the progress of each student every six to eight weeks to check for growth and progress. As students master specific skills, they are moved into a more advanced RtI Block intervention group or into a busy bee group. Parents are informed of student progress and advancement into the next intervention group.
How can parents be involved in the RtI process?
Parents are considered part of the RtI Team and are encouraged to assist in making RtI decisions for their child. Parents are welcome to meet with the teacher, interventionist, specialist, and/or the principal at any time to discuss their child's RtI plan and progress. Classroom teachers share universal screening data results with parents three times per year. If your child is provided with Tier II interventions due to assessed need, you will be provided with information every six to eight weeks in regards to progress and advancement into the next level of intervention or dismissal from an intervention. Overall, parents are encouraged to support their child through RtI interventions by additional practice at home and open communication with the classroom teacher. The Parent Resources link on our website has many activities, downloadable materials, and interactive online games that can be used at home to assist in the specific areas in which students need further mastery.