What are Response to Intervention Teams?
Response to Intervention (RTI) Teams, also known as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, are groups of teachers, administrators, and other support personnel who work together to help solve student concerns. Academic or behavioral concerns impeding a student’s learning are addressed through the RTI process.
What does an RTI do?
Most school-based RTI groups work through a sequence of problem-solving steps in order to develop a plan of intervention that addresses the concern(s) for the student being referred. Generally, the Team reviews the data from what interventions have already been implemented in the classroom on behalf of the student and discuss what additional interventions might exist. Interventions are “evidenced-based” (i.e., supported by research) instructional practices or strategies that have been designed for specific academic weaknesses of behavioral difficulties. Students do not need to be identified as having a disability in order to receive interventions.
How do I find out more about “Evidenced-Based Interventions?
There are many excellent sites that discuss evidence-based practices and interventions on the internet. The links on the right will provide most interested users with a reasonable sample of the introductory materials available. The PDF document under DOWNLOADS on the right provides stand-alone information that may be used by RTI groups to increase efficiency and effectiveness of their practices. Our express thanks to Dr. Kathy McNamara of Cleveland State University, for the “Evidenced-Based Interventions” packet she made available to us.