The Role of Response To Intervention (RTI) in Schools

You may have a child who is struggling to achieve better grades in school. In truth, sitting down and trying to help with lessons and homework assignments doesn’t always work as some students may show profound gaps in learning. Your initial observation of his or her struggles should trigger a need for professional assistance in order to avoid further delays in learning. Ideally, your search should begin in the school setting.

Response to Intervention, or RTI, is an educational process designed to provide support to struggling students. The goal of RTI is to identify these students as early as possible to avoid the need for referral to special education. This program was initially created to make schools more accountable for students’ performance. Essentially, RTI is a method for determining if  a child has a specific learning disability and whether or not he or she is eligible for special education.  Without adequate guidelines on how RTI should operate, states have had to design individualized plans of action. Before proceeding with RTI, you will need to understand your particular school district’s plan. Your school district or state can provide this information.

RTI is divided into three levels and each level is differentiated by the  degree of help offered. All students begin at Level 1 in the classroom. After screening, students who exhibit gaps in skills are referred to Levels 2 and 3 for additional support and individualized lesson plans. Students struggling with language, for example, may be assigned to a Speech Language Pathologist.

Teachers are primary identifiers of students who are struggling. After identifying  a student who may require more specialized instruction, teachers can request a meeting with parents to talk about the struggles. This is called an Intervention Meeting.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to learn the  school’s specific RTI procedures. Helping your child achieve academic success requires open collaboration between you and the teacher. The first step is to be ready for an Intervention Meeting/Parent-Teacher Meeting when the time comes.

Here are 5 Tips for a Positive Parent-Teacher Meeting:

1. Be Prepared
2. Make a List
3. Ask Questions
4. Listen
5. Be a Team Player

Source: Mommy Speech Therapy

Read more: http://mommyspeechtherapy.com/?p=2053

Have you had any experience with assisting or acquiring RTI? What was it like? Do you think it is an effective way to help struggling students get back on track? Comment below!