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 2: RTI and Students with Learning Disabilities

Guideline: The term "specific learning disability" is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. Teachers need to be aware of how specific learning disabilities are defined and identified and how RTI is linked to this topic. This task's resources may help teachers under the concept of specific learning disabilities within the scope of IDEA 2004.

Resources

Guidelines

Federal Definition/Criteria for Specific Learning Disabilities

This link to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website provides the federal definition of specific learning disabilities and criteria for determining the existence of a specific learning disability.

Questions & Answers on RTI and Early Intervening Services

This 2007 question and answer document prepared by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) provides guidance to states and districts in complying with the requirements regarding early intervening services and response to scientific research-based interventions.

Legal

Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities

This 2006 document prepared U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) explains the reauthorized IDEA 2004 regulatory requirements regarding procedures for identifying a student with a specific learning disability.

Memo: A Response to Intervention Cannot be Used to Delay-Deny an Evaluation for Eligibility Under IDEA

This link is to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) January 21, 2011, memo stating RTI cannot be used to delay or deny evaluation for students suspected of having a disability. The memo aims to clarify the use of RTI within the evaluation system and asks states to examine their procedures and practices to ensure districts implementing RTI are doing so appropriately and not using RTI to delay or deny timely evaluations and services to students suspected of having a disability.

References

IDEA 2004 Close Up: Evaluation and Eligibility for Specific Learning Disabilities

This article at the GreatSchools.org website reviews the IDEA 2004 provisions related to evaluation and eligibility for specific learning disabilities. Authored by The Advocacy Institute's Candace Cortiella, the article explores the role RTI plays in identifying specific learning disabilities.

National Research Center on Learning Disabilities

The National Research Center on Learning Disabilities website provides information on specific learning disabilities and RTI's role in that process. Though last updated in November 2007, the content may still be useful to teachers becoming familiar with specific learning disabilities.

Resource List: Specific Learning Disabilities and Responsiveness to Intervention

This link to the National Research Center on Learning Disabilities website provides a resource list on specific learning disabilities and RTI.

Timeline of Learning Disabilities

This link to the LD Online website provides a timeline of the history of learning disabilities.

Presentations

How Does RTI Differ from Previous Approaches to Providing Interventions

This link to a February 2011 Center on Response to Intervention video brief discusses how RTI differs from previous intervention approaches. The video brief runs 5 minutes. Closed captioning within the video and a transcript are provided.