Implementation of RTI

What is RTI?

Response to Intervention (RTI) provides increasing levels of intervention to address academic/behavioral concerns when a student is having difficulty. The high quality instructional interventions are aligned to student needs.  Data is collected relative to the child’s performance and their rate of improvement over time in order to make sound and appropriate educational decisions.   RTI consists of three levels (tiers) of interventions.

How is it determined who will receive services under RTI?

A student would not be “referred” to RTI in the same manner as a student would be referred for a special education evaluation. Both referrals are two different processes. A student is identified for RTI through data collection and analysis by a building level team. In our three-tier model, Mansfield Township School District staff administers a universal screening tool in Language Arts Literacy at the beginning of each year to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses and to plan classroom instruction.

A team consisting of the building level principal, classroom teachers, LEAP and supplemental teachers, and/or related services staff, review the progress of all students and determine which students would benefit from supplemental interventions. If a student is identified by the team as in need of interventions, the parents of the child would be informed.

What subjects should RTI encompass?

Since the 2011-2012 school year is the first year for implementation of the RTI model, the Mansfield Township School District is initially focusing on Reading/Language Arts. As we expand our model, Math will be included.

Can students receive Tier II or Tier III interventions as part of the regular Reading/Language Arts  instructional time?

The 120 minute Reading/Language Arts classroom instruction time, for example, is for Tier I or core academic instruction only. If a student is in need of Tier II or Tier III interventions, these interventions are provided during or in addition to classroom instruction.  The purpose of Tier II and Tier III interventions are to provide a higher level of intervention instruction to students in need.

Are different curriculum programs needed for each tier?

Instruction and program content in the district’s instructional tools are currently aligned to the New Jersey Common Core State Standards. Interventions provided to a student should match his or her needs, as identified through universal screening and ongoing progress monitoring tools. These tools utilize curriculum based measures provided through our current Journey’s program therefore different programs may not be needed. If necessary, a child may receive supplemental programs as determined appropriate.

When students receive Tier II or III interventions, what subject area is missed?

A schedule has been developed at each grade level. All students receive the core Tier I instruction and interventions during their regular class time. Students needing additional support through Tiers II or III receive these services in addition to the core curriculum (Tier I).  Mansfield Township Schools have scheduled a 30 minute Excel period in each grade level. During this time period, identified students receive instruction to meet their academic needs.

Who will work with students under the RTI model?

Certified Mansfield Township School District teachers will work with students to provide interventions. The staff members who provide interventions have been trained in the district’s curricular programs.