Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW: WHAT IS RTI?

What is RTI?
Shelley Montileaux
National University
December 15, 2016

WHAT IS RTI?

2
Abstract

How much of a role does RTI play in todays classroom? in the following paper, that
question will be answered. The paper will consist of an explanation of what each tier is, and
what other individuals are involved in the RTI process. It will give an explanation of what type
of instruction each tier provides for the student, and when a child needs to move up or down
what is call the tier pyramid.

WHAT IS RTI?

The RTI process involves the parents, general education teacher, special education
teacher (if one has been assigned), reading strategist, and administration. The RTI process is a
process that is to monitor and assess students on a weekly basis to track academic progress and
how they are being successful in the classroom. The RTI model is based on a three-tiered
instructional process. It is the instruction that occurs as a function of the outcomes of the
assessments that truly drives the changes we hope to see in students who are identified as being
at some level of risk for not meeting academic expectations. (Shapiro, 2008) Assessments can
help determine why reading problems are occurring and where the child has diminished skills or
performance deficits, and once the assessments are determined, these deficits can be addressed
with the right tools and methods. When assessments are taking place the teacher can ask "what
specifics are blocking the student from achieving their reading goal?" When the specific
problems or obstacles the student is facing are identified, intense instruction will begin. For
example, if the student is having problem with decoding, comprehension monitoring may be
needed because the reading obstacle the student is facing may be sounding out and reading
words improperly.
The RTI process has three different "tiers" each created to help students in the classroom
with their learning difficulties. Tier 1 involves choosing different strategies that engage each
student in the classroom. The strategies should include giving the appropriate wait time for the
students to respond, created structured groups that will benefit all different level learners, and
possibly add timers so the lessons are more structured and kept on a schedule to keep the lesson
flowing. Lesson planning can also be accommodating to the various learning styles and to

WHAT IS RTI?

provide differentiated instruction for auditory, kinesthetic and visual learners, this helps to retain
more information promote understanding. Group work can also be introduced, by using groups
frequently it causes students to become more engaged and improves with the social aspect of
learning. Tier one strategies include teaching of proper study techniques, test taking skills and
how to effectively problem solve. The most important aspect of this model is to promote good
self-esteem, positive self-talk, and good organizational skills.
Tier two in the RTI framework is for students that did not effective respond to tier one
strategies. In this tier, some form of direct instruction is involved, which segments the
information into shorter sections or steps, and basically targets learning by making the
curriculum simpler. In this model, students have more opportunities to practice what they have
learned. The pace of the instruction also changes. In tier two, the pace is slower and time is spent
on showing the students certain skills (ex: test-taking) and practicing them. Progress monitoring
is also done for each specific skill that is taught and these assessments and monitoring is done
over a longer period of time. Unlike tier one where skills are combined when being taught, each
skill is individually clarified to avoid any confusion with the student. For example, in a
mathematics lesson, when teaching something as simple as cardinality and students are learning
to count objects, it is not best to introduce addition to the lesson. A new skill should not be
introduced to the student until the old skill is grasped.
In Tier three, individual strategies are created for each student, as well as direct one-onone instruction is done. In this tier, instruction time is doubled and is focused on specific learning
strategies. Regularly, students that receive tier three interventions are taught by a specialist who
has received training with specialized techniques to help the students with cognitive learning

WHAT IS RTI?

disabilities. In todays classroom, many RTI sessions are included in the general education
students, although some sessions depending on the school, students may be pulled out and
moved to another classroom with another teacher. Each school has their own intervention
program, but each has the same goal, to target a students learning difficulty, and improve study,
testing, and overall academic skills. Interventions are taught by a specialist who has received
training with specialized techniques to help the students with cognitive learning disabilities.

WHAT IS RTI?

6
Conclusion

The method of an effective tiered-instruction model requires strong communication and

great teamwork. Without effective communication between team members, effective instruction
will not be possible. Teachers need to have an excellent communication system with parents,
fellow teachers, specialists, and members of other parts of the community if they are involved in
the intervention of the childs education (i.e. counselors, physician, and psychologist). The
entire network needs to understand how the instruction works with the child, and how it can be
successful when the right instructional decisions are made.

WHAT IS RTI?

Reference:
Shapiro, E. (2008). Tiered Instruction and Intervention in a Response-to-Intervention Model.
RTI Network. http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction/tiered-instruction-andintervention-rti-model