The Importance of Response to Intervention (RTI) in Schools

What is Response to Intervention (RTI)?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered, data-driven approach designed to identify students who may require additional academic, social-emotional/behavioral, or speech and language support. RTI is a collaborative process that involves teachers, administrators, parents, and support staff. It enables schools to provide the least restrictive interventions while collecting data on student progress to determine if a different level of support (either additional or reduced) is needed.

This proactive process ensures that schools address challenges early, preventing significant disruptions in a student’s educational journey. The ultimate goal of RTI is to provide the right support at the right time, ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Understanding RTI Tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Explained
RTI utilizes a three-tiered system to offer varying levels of support based on student needs. Data collection is critical at each level to monitor progress and evaluate whether more intensive support is necessary.

Tier 1: Universal Classroom Interventions
Tier 1 focuses on supporting all students through effective, evidence-based classroom instruction. This includes core curriculum delivery and behavioral expectations applicable to every student. Strategies may include differentiated instruction tailored to individual student needs or classroom management techniques. For example, a school-wide social-emotional learning program is a Tier 1 support.

If a student struggles to succeed with Tier 1 supports, they should be considered for additional help through Tier 2 strategies.

Tier 2: Targeted Group Interventions
Tier 2 provides small-group support for students requiring more assistance than what is offered in the general classroom environment. This might include small group tutoring or targeted interventions in specific academic areas, as well as social skills groups to help students improve peer interactions or self-regulation skills.

Progress monitoring is essential during Tier 2 to assess whether the student needs more specialized Tier 3 support. Teachers and support staff should use data to guide these decisions.

Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Interventions
Tier 3 is designed for students facing significant challenges who require more intensive, individualized support than Tier 1 or Tier 2 can provide. Interventions at this level are one-on-one and often involve specialized staff.

Examples of Tier 3 supports include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) with accompanying Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), or other tailored interventions to address the student’s specific needs.