RTI
Special Education: RTI and MTSS
Overview
This resource is for pre-service teachers who are learning about special education and the Response to Intervention (RTI) and the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
How are MTSS and RTI alike and different?
Interventions and Progress Monitoring Toolkit. Panorama Education. Retrieved on 04.15.20 from https://go.panoramaed.com/hubfs/Marketing%20Content/Interventions-Progress-Monitoring-Toolkit.pdf?hsCtaTracking=850d5ad5-fb48-4058-85a9-3d6ced71dfe2%7Cb661e603-39fb-4b64-992b-b393bb70a8b6
Response to intervention (RTI) is a framework that many schools use to help students who are struggling with academics. There are three levels of intervention in RTI. We typically see a model like the one attached in the resources. Tier one includes interventions for the entire class. Tier two interventions are for students who need more help than they are receiving in Tier one. This can include small groups or other interventions. This is not just a strategy, but it is an evidence-based practice -- one that research shows that it works. Tier three also uses intensive interventions (evidance-based) and the special education identification process is started. Some great sites for evidence based interventions are:
An example of the RTI process might look like this.
Susie is having a difficult time with reading. The classroom teacher uses some strategies and interventions that typically work for all students to help Susie, like additonal time spent in small group learning, providing vocabulary integrated into the content and prior to lessons, and retelling exercises with partner reading. Susie continues to struggle and grades are dropping. A team of professionals meet and decide to move Susie to Tier 2. The teacher then uses the evidence-based practices from one of the sites above, such as a particular reading series, Duet Reading, Echo Reading, Partner Retell, and Repeated Reading with Oral or Written Retell. These interventions are used for about 6 weeks with data collected on progress.The team meets again. If Susie is progressing, she may remain in Tier 2 for another extended period, or she can be moved back into Tier 1. However, if Susie continues to struggle, she may be moved into Tier 3, where interventions are more intense and the special education testing procedures begin. If she is found to have a disability and shows a need, she will be placed into special education.
A multi-tier system of supports (MTSS) is more comprehensive. It may include the three levels of RTI. But MTSS goes beyond just academics. It also covers social and emotional supports. That means it can include behavioral support and intervention plans. The MTSS does not just cover students, it also covers the professionals by providing professional development for the faculty.
See the resource attached for Interventions and Progress Monitoring Toolkit.