Response to Intervention KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Response to Intervention KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting educators in understanding and implementing the response to intervention (RTI) model. The National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) has identified four stages in the implementation of evidence-based strategies such as RTI. The first stage is Exploration, and it involves consideration of the essential components of RTI models and the district or school's readiness to implement an RTI model with fidelity. During the second stage, Installation, a district or school selects an RTI model and works actively to put in place all of the supports necessary for implementing the essential components. These supports can include staff member training, policies, implementation guides, forms, assessments, instructional programs, and software. The third stage is Initial Implementation, and it involves implementing the essential components. Initial Implementation can involve just a few components or teachers, and then implementation expands over time. When the majority of teachers are implementing all components of RTI with fidelity, the district or school is in the fourth stage, called Full Implementation. This KnowledgeBase is geared primarily toward those in the Exploration and Installation stages, with some resources for those in the Initial Implementation stage.

Task 1: Explore the Use of RTI in Secondary Schools

Guideline: The use of Response to Intervention (RTI) in secondary settings is a fairly new idea. While the basic components of the RTI framework remain the same in elementary and secondary settings, there are significant structural and logistical differences between elementary, middle, and high schools affecting how these components are implemented. Before deciding to implement RTI at the secondary level, it is helpful to explore the potential benefits and challenges of using such a framework to improve student outcomes.

resources

References

A Systematic Approach to Implementing Response to Intervention in Three Colorado High Schools

This resource from the former National High School Center discusses four aspects that are recommended to support response to intervention (RTI) efforts at the state, district and school levels, including leadership, data-based decision making, interventions, and professional development. Implementation examples at three high schools in Colorado are also included. Though focused on the state of Colorado, educators in other states may find the content useful when implementing response to intervention in high schools.

Problem Analysis Within an RTI Framework at a Secondary School

If 25% of students have academic difficulties, then a high school with approximately 1,600 students would likely have approximately 400 students who need additional support. School personnel cannot derive individualized interventions for that many students. A relatively low-level problem analysis is needed within Tier 2 to identify categories of deficits from which subsequent interventions can be developed. This RTI Network article focuses here on Tier 2 interventions because an effective Tier 2 system is needed before effective Tier 3 interventions can occur, and many high schools and middle schools are set up to successfully implement Tier 2 interventions.

Resource for Student Evaluation Personnel Working in Schools Implementing RTI

Revised in 2018 to reflect legislation related to parental notice, this booklet provides information and tools related to RTI and special education, collaborating for effective interventions, and using data to make intervention decisions. Designed for student evaluation personnel who assist campus teams in assessment planning, problem-solving, and using RTI data in comprehensive student evaluations to determine the presence of a specific learning disability (SLD). Contains letters related to RTI implementation from the U.S. Department of Education and versions of the “Collaborative Instructional Log.”

Response to Intervention in Secondary Schools: Is it on Your Radar Screen?

This RTI Action Network article provides an orientation to RTI implementation in secondary schools. It includes a definition of RTI and reasons for using RTI in secondary schools, discusses challenges with implementation at the secondary school level, and offers questions to ask when assessing readiness to begin an RTI initiative.

Response to Intervention: Secondary Schools

This resource provides links to a series of articles from the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Principal Leadership publication. The first part explains RTI and its role in school improvement, and the second part discusses tiered interventions in secondary school.

Presentations

Implementing RTI at the High School Level

This link is to a presentation on 'Implementing RTI at the High School Level,' from the 2010 National Association of School Psychologists annual convention.

Janette Klingner: Response to Intervention With English Language Learners

This RTI Action Network website features podcasts by Janette Klingner on Response to Intervention With English Language Learners.

The IRIS Center - RTI Modules

The IRIS Center, a national center funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), has developed a series of Star Legacy training modules on a range of topics related to students with disabilities. All IRIS Resource Locator materials, case studies and resources are available free of charge through the IRIS website.