What is the Response to Intervention (RTI) model?

The Response to Intervention (RTI) model is best defined as a multi-tiered approach to support students with learning disabilities. This approach is designed to provide varying levels of support based on the individual needs of students.

In the RTI framework, students are monitored closely and interventions are introduced at different tiers. The first tier generally includes high-quality classroom instruction and universal screening of all students to identify those who need additional support. For students who are not making adequate progress, the second tier offers targeted interventions that are more intensive, and if necessary, the third tier provides specialized, individual support. This structured process allows educators to gather data and make informed decisions about a student's educational needs, ensuring that appropriate interventions are implemented in a timely manner.

This process is distinct because it emphasizes proactive measures and early identification of learning difficulties, rather than waiting for students to fail before providing help. By doing so, the RTI model aims to improve outcomes for students with learning disabilities before any formal identification process occurs, such as testing for special education services.