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: Implement Primary Prevention/Core Instruction

Guideline: Primary prevention, sometimes referred to as "core instruction" and often delivered in Tier 1 of a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, is designed for all learners and is intended to meet the needs of approximately 80% of students. It is considered the "foundation" of the RTI framework. It is predicated on the use of universal screening (see Element X) and research-based, standards-aligned, core classroom instruction. It is important for educators to understand the role of primary prevention within the RTI framework and how to deliver instruction effectively to meet the learning needs of students.

resources

Checklists

A Consumer's Guide to Evaluating A Core Reading Program Grades K-3

This guide identifies critical elements to consider when evaluating a core reading program.

Tools

RTI Tools Chart

The Intervention Tools Chart is designed to be used by educators as a resource to locate interventions, instructional practices and learning strategies that can be used within an RTI process.

References

Common Core State Standards Initiative

This link to the Common Core State Standards Initiative website provides links to the English Language Arts and Mathematics standards.

Selecting a Scientifically Based Core Curriculum for Tier 1

This RTI Action Network article discusses Tier 1 instruction from a scientifically based perspective.

Using Student Center Activities to Differentiate Reading Instruction: A Guide for Teachers

This link is to the Center on Instruction guide for teachers. As noted at its website, it "describes a suite of Student Center Activities offering teachers a wide range of activities to engage students in differentiated reading activities during small-group work in the classroom. The activities target specific skills, scaffold student learning and provide engaging practice to extend student learning and increase the time focused on critical reading skills at all levels of reading proficiency. Originally prepared for use in Florida schools, these activities are appropriate in any elementary school context and are consistent with scientific research on reading instruction."

Presentations

High-Quality Mathematics Instruction: What Teachers Should Know

This link to one of Vanderbilt University's IRIS Center learning modules describes the components of high-quality mathematics instruction (a standards-based curriculum and evidence-based strategies) and highlights effective practices teachers might use to teach mathematics.

Indicators in Action

Indicators in Action is produced by the Center on Innovation and Improvement. As noted at its website, "Based primarily on the center's research syntheses, Indicators in Action provides an explanation of indicators of effective practice. Video clips of principals, teachers and teacher teams show the indicators 'in action.'" Indicators in Action may be useful to support professional learning.

RTI (Part 3): Reading Instruction

This link to one of Vanderbilt University's IRIS Center learning modules provides reading strategies that may be used with the RTI model to improve reading skills. Click here for a link to a Spanish version.

Examples

New York State Response to Intervention (Technical Assistance Center)

This link to the New York State Response to Intervention (RTI) Technical Assistance Center defines RTI as a school-wide, multi-tiered prevention framework that provides supplemental, needs-specific intervention to students with learning problems, most notably in the area of reading.