1. RTI: Response to Intervention An Invitation to Begin… Rutgers Conference January 2015 Janet Higgins Reading Specialist East Amwell Township School Rutgers Center for Literacy Development jhiggins@eastamwell.org

2. What is RTI? RTI… Occurs in a general education model Identifies struggling, at-risk learners Uses assessment data to identify students and monitor learning Provides systematic, research-based instruction

3. RTI TEAMS The following educators will be involved… Grade Level Teachers Support Teachers Interventionists Reading Specialists Literacy Specialists Child Study Team Members Administrators

4. The RTI Model

5. Key Elements of RTI

6. A Multi-Tiered Instruction Model

7. Example of RTI: 3 Tiers Let’s TURN and TALK. What are we doing that fits these categories? Tier 1 might involve adopting a research-based reading curriculum and screen all students for reading problems three times per year to determine which students might need supports beyond the school-wide reading curriculum. At Tier 2, students who are identified as being at-risk of experiencing problems receive supplemental or small-group interventions. At Tier 3, an additional layer of intensive supports is available to address the needs of a smaller percentage of students (e.g., 2%–7%) who are experiencing problems and are at risk of developing more severe problems. At Tier 3, the goal is remediation of existing problems and prevention of more severe problems or the development of secondary concerns as a result of persistent problems. For example, at Tier 3, a student whose reading performance falls significantly below that of his or her peers, despite intervention, might receive intensive reading support from the learning assistant four times per week with close monitoring of his or her progress. (adapted from: Considering Tier 3 Within a Response-to-Intervention Model by Ruth A. Ervin, Ph.D)Ruth A. Ervin, Ph.D

8. Components of Tier I Instruction

10. Tier One Tier 1 All students in Tier 1 receive high-quality, scientifically based instruction, differentiated to meet their needs, and are screened on a periodic basis to identify struggling learners who need additional support. (http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

11. What does Tier One look like? Whole Class Small Group One on One By Classroom Teacher Direct teaching of skills and strategies. Differentiated instruction based on assessment results. Instruction modeled to meet students' needs. Teacher support. Student practice. Monitored student progress. Reteaching as necessary. (Adapted from: Classroom Reading Instruction That Supports Struggling Readers by Carolyn A. Denton)Carolyn A. Denton

12. Components of Tier II Instruction

13. Grouping Students at Tier II

14. Tier 2 In Tier 2, students not making adequate progress in the core curriculum are provided with increasingly intensive instruction matched to their needs on the basis of levels of performance and rates of progress. (http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

15. What does Tier 2 look like? 1. Data-driven for entrance and exit. 2. Small group instruction outside of the classroom 3. Clearly focused with goals for exit. Tier 2 is meant to provide a limited, but targeted, support system for students who struggle to meet grade-level performance standards. The goal of Tier 2 is to remediate academic skill deficits with the idea that in doing so, students will be successful in the Tier 1 program without support. (Adapted from: How to Develop an Effective Tier 2 System by Evelyn Johnson, Ed.D.)Evelyn Johnson, Ed.D.

16. Components of Tier III Instruction

17. Grouping Students at Tier III

18. Tier 3 At this level, students receive individualized, intensive interventions that target the students' skill deficits for the remediation of existing problems and the prevention of more severe problems. (http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction)

19. What does Tier 3 look like? Meets as frequently as possible. Instruction is in addition to classroom and Tier 2. Intervention specialist, content specialist, special education teacher. Strategically structured remediation or intervention program. More intensive practice. Review and reteach. Immediate correction. Intensive guided practice. (Adapted from: Distinguishing Between Tier 2 and Tier 3 Instruction in Order to Support Implementation of RTI by Jason E. Harlacher, Ph.D., Marzano Research Laboratory, Amanda Sanford, Ph.D., Portland State University, and Nancy Nelson Walker, Ph.D., Center on Teaching and Learning, University of Oregon)Jason E. Harlacher, Ph.D.

21. Support from RTI TEAMS Many variations but should include… Grade Level Teachers Administration Support Teachers Reading Specialists Literacy Specialists Child Study Team

22. Summary of Academic Assessment

23. Assessment EXAMPLES Screening: DIBELS, Running Records, STAR READING, STAR MATH Academic Skills IQ, COGAT, OLSAT Progress Monitoring DRA2, Accelerated Reading/Math, Reading A-Z, Running Records Outcome Assessment PARCC, Unit Tests, Report Cards, Benchmark Levels

24. Guidance for Instruction at Tier 2 and 3 1. Concentrated instruction that focuses on targeted reading skills and strategies. 2. Adjusted pace. 3. Multiple sessions. 4. High quality practice. 5. Immediate feedback. 6. Mastery of skills