What+is+RTI?

=**What is RTI? **= Response to Intervention ([|RTI]) is not a special education program. It is meant for those students that are struggling to understand concepts and have gaps in their learning. Typically, there are three tiers. Sometimes there are more, sometimes less. At this time [|RSU 36] has decided to go with a 3 tier approach. This will look differently in the elementary school, middle school, and high school. The first tier is where all students receive their instruction. This should include 80% of the student population. The second tier is where some students start exhibiting difficulties. This tier typically meets in a small group to help reinforcement concepts that the student is struggling with. If tier 2 does not work, tier 3 is the next step. Typically, this is 1 on 1 instruction. If this does not help the student, a referral to special education might be needed. For most students, tiers 1-3 will help them grasp certain concepts that they are struggling with.

 It is also important to understand that students go between tiers. For example, if a student is struggling with fractions they might be moved into tier 2 instruction for this. They are still in the regular classroom but require a little more work to help them understand fractions. When they have mastered this concept, typically, in 6-8 weeks, they might be moved out of tier 2 and back into tier 1. Remember all classroom instruction takes place in tier one. However, if this student is still struggling with fractions, they might need tier 3 instruction. If, after 6-8 weeks, the student improves, then they are placed into tier 1 instruction. Please understand that students are constantly moving.

 Are you interested in learning more about RTI? This link is an [|article] aimed at parents to help describe RTI. Here is a link that explains the basics of R[|TI] Both of these have been put out by the State of Maine.

 Below is an image used to teach educators about RTI taken from the state of Maine website. Notice that 80% of the students are in the regular classroom at the core level (tier 1.) In the Strategic Level (tier 2) is aimed at 15% of the students who are having some difficulty with the material. At the Intensive level (tier 3) is where the most intensive support happens. This is only for 5% of the population. It should also be said that special education is in every tier. Some students with special needs receive all their needs in tier one while others may need more intervention and require services in tier 3.