District Introduces RTI to Parents
Students aren't the only ones getting an education in the Huntington School District these days. Parents are gaining insight about the district's new three-tiered instructional approach known as Response to Intervention or RTI, an academic tool designed to provide early assistance to youngsters who are having difficulty learning.
A letter recently sent home to parents by the district contains details about RTI and what it means in practical terms. Federal authorization for RTI is covered in the implementation regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2004 and became effective in July 2006.
"All students will participate in the core curriculum, with three tiers of interventions for students who demonstrate at-risk skills in general academics or behavior," states the letter. "Each tier provides additional support beyond the core curriculum. All students will be tested three times a year to measure their progress to determine if they are performing at grade level." Administrators and teachers will also be monitoring the behavior of students on a regular basis.
The three tiers or levels include the following breakdown:
Tier One: Teachers will use different strategies within the core curriculum to address all student educational needs.
Tier Two: Based on progress data, students who are unsuccessful in tier one will be provided supplemental research-based interventions matched to their needs. The RTI team, an instructional support team, will track the student's progress and parents will receive ongoing progress data.
Tier Three: Students who continue to struggle in tier two will receive more intensive interventions at this level. Parents will receive ongoing progress data. After tier three implementation students who continue to display limited progress may then be considered for further evaluation and services.
Principals have told parents they are "excited" to participate in this initiative to improve the educational performance and outcomes for every student. Parents are encouraged to contact the principal at the child's building if they have questions concerning the RTI program.