Wachusett Regional School District

Home

Literacy

Math

What is Response to Intervention (RTI)?

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a tiered approach to early identification and intervention for students with learning needs. In the Wachusett Regional School District, the RTI process involves three tiers of support. Tier I includes the following components?

Universal screening for all students in reading and mathematics in elementary grades

Research-based Tier I instruction for all students in grades K-8 in the form of Readers' Workshop, Writers' Workshop, and Mathematics Workshop

Ongoing assessment and intervention embedded in the workshop model in the form of small-group instruction and conferring

When students do not respond adequately to Tier I instruction and intervention, Tier II supports are applied. Tier II in the WRSD includes the following components:

Referral to a school-based RTI Team to oversee development of an RTI Intervention Plan

Administration of a "second dose" of intervention during the RTI block (20-30 minutes with regular frequency) in elementary schools or during class in middle schools

"Second dose" intervention that is distinct from Tier I and provided either by a classroom teacher or highly-qualified intervention provider, such as a Title I teacher (aides should provide support to other students during RTI time so that the most highly qualified educator can provide the intervention for Tier II)

Progress monitoring to ensure gains are achieved within a 6-12 week treatment window (as determined in the RTI Intervention Plan)

When students do not respond adequately to Tier I and Tier II intervention, Tier III supports are applied. Tier III in the WRSD includes the following components:

Administration of an additional "third dose" of intervention with distinct strategies and approaches in relation to Tiers I and II

Third dose provided by intervention specialist such as Title I teacher, special educator, school psychologist, etc.

RTI Intervention Plan expanded to include "third dose" of interventions and target dates for progress spanning a 6-12 week time period

Frequent progress monitoring to measure growth and alter intervention plan accordingly

Resources to Support RTI

There are numerous resources supporting RTI in schools and classrooms, including the following:

Find the latest Tier II intervention strategies, RTI student self-checklists, RTI incentive plans, RTI practice passages, and other tiered tools for instruction