R.t.I.

Newsletter
Whats Best for Kids

ag 3 F e b r u a r y 4 ,P 2 0e 14 Volume 1, Issue 2 Leyden High Schools

Recap of Issue #1
In the first issue, we examined the history of RtI. Students that struggled in the general Here are key highlights from Volume #1, Issue #1: The 1975 Public Law 94-142 Act education setting were often referred to special education. This led to a large increase in special education enrollments.

mandated students with handicaps must have equal access to public education.

A significant number of students referred to special education did not have disabilities. Rather, students did not receive adequate instruction in general education.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Recap of Issue #1 Defining RTI CORE Principles of RTI DeBunking RTI Myths Pg. 1 Pg. 1 Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 3 Pg. 3

Connecting CORE Principles A Look Ahead at the Next Issue

Before students were recommended for special services, schools needed to ensure instruction based and a students progress was closely monitored. received in general education was research-

The focus shifted toward general education.

Defining RtI
Here are definitions of RTI from reputable RTI organizations: Although no singular formal definition of RTI exists, all definitions encompass two shared points: 1. All students are involved

RTI4Success definition:

A multi-level instructional framework aimed at improving outcomes for all students.

RTI Action Network definition:

2. A systematic process is implemented Simply put, RTI is an all hands on deck approach that successful academically and behaviorally. ensures each student has the opportunity to be

A three tier model of school supports that uses researched based academic and behavioral interventions for all students.
Illinois RTI Network definition:

Whether or not a student can learn a concept or behave appropriately is no longer asked. The guiding philosophy becomes how we can as a school better

support a student so he or she may learn a concept or

behave appropriately. Schools demand a system which reaches each student according to their unique needs. This system exists regardless of the teacher to whom a student has been assigned. This system contains a set of CORE principles.

Approach for establishing learning environments that are effective, efficient, relevant and durable for all students.

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RTI System CORE Principles
Here are the CORE Principles of Effective RTI Models:

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1. Proactive and preventive approach to education 3. Data informed decision-making 5. Systems-level approach

2. Problem-solving 4. Best first instruction

Each CORE principle is intertwined. Key highlights of each principle are outlined as follows:

Proactive Preventive Approach

Schools take action before a student fails. Proactive measures limit the potential for existing learning closer watch on students identified as at-risk.

gaps to widen. Schools use data to deliver targeted supports to students before they struggle and keep a

In order to accurately serve struggling students, teams must properly identify the root cause of the

ProblemSolving

problem. Problems are identified as the gap between where students are currently performing compared to where they are expected to be. After a root cause is identified, an appropriate intervention is intervention and examine whether or not a student is showing positive signs of growth. implemented to address the problem. A students progress is monitored to assess the quality of the

Although subjective data may generate value, RTI places heavy emphasis on fact-based, measurable and observable data. Common data points used are: universal screeners, diagnostic assessments and

Data Informed DecisionMaking

progress monitoring. Universal screeners identify students in potential danger of future struggles.

Diagnostic assessments help refine universal screeners by identifying specific skill deficits. Progress

monitoring determines a students response to an intervention and whether or not a student is showing positive signs of growth. When using data to make decisions, no single data point alone can accurately tell a students story.

The most effective and efficient way to improve student outcomes is through best first instruction. All students need to be exposed to high quality research validated curriculum delivered using research validated instructional techniques. Therefore, schools may rule out inadequate instruction as the cause of

Best First Instruction

low student performance. Best first instruction must contain differentiated instructional techniques,

ongoing formative assessments and immediate corrective feedback. One of the most powerful ways to deliver best first instruction is through ongoing collaborative engagement in a professional learning community.

Schools develop plans to provide struggling students with additional time and instruction for learning that is timely, directive and systematic. Students who experience difficulty are required, rather than invited to utilize the system of support. Students demand an opportunity to grow academically and

Systems-Level Approach

behaviorally regardless of the teacher assigned. A systems level approach decreases current and prevents future cases of academic difficulties. Staff in school believes students who struggle are simply undersupported and not at-risk.

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Connecting CORE Principles
CORE principles working simultaneously move all students toward right side of the diamond. Students have equal similar to having opportunities for interventions.

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opportunities for enrichment

Students struggling after receiving rather than invited to receive more targeted or intensive interventions. best first instruction are required

All students have a weakness that may be improved. Schools identify these weaknesses and make them stronger.

Debunking RTI Myths

RTI IS
Differentiated and personalized curriculum A general education initiative Multi-leveled

RTI IS NOT
One size fits all curriculum Single-support leveled Labeling learners

A special education initiative

Understanding the needs of learners Proactive and here to stay Ongoing assessments A framework

Reactive and a trendy fad A one shot assessment A program

Teams working together High quality instruction About improving outcomes of all students A highly coordinated system of supports

Individuals working in isolation Hit and miss instruction Just about interventions

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A LOOK AHEAD AT THE NEXT ISSUE

What Exactly is an Intervention? ` Tips for Best First Instruction How Are Interventions Delivered? How May I Conceptualize the Entire RTI Process?