Response to Intervention (RTI)

Frequent Scenario: Parent / Teacher conferences are upon us! Perhaps, you are seeing your child struggle in school. You express concern that your child is struggling, and he or she is in need of additional academic supports in school. You are informed that the school will begin to implement some additional academic supports (for example, a reading group). Or, perhaps you learn, your child has been flagged and is currently receiving additional academic supports. (Unbeknownst to you - students are often flagged for additional support and as a parent, you may be unaware your child is receiving this support). For students who may need this additional academic support, schools often choose to implement a multi-tiered system of supports (often referred to as Response to Intervention or “RTI”).

What is RTI? RTI is a general education process designed to help children who are having difficulty learning and achieving at grade level.

However, did you take the next step and request an initial evaluation?

What is essential to note: Parents have the right to request an evaluation for special education services at any time and RTI (or any intervention strategy) may not be used to deny or delay a comprehensive evaluation for special education. You do not have to“wait and see ___weeks” to learn how he or she responds to this support. RTI may not be used to deny or delay your chid’s right to a comprehensive evaluation for special education services. As with all requests, make sure to send this in writing (email is fine!). #specialeducation #specialeducationadvocate #FAPE #RTI #Autism #ADHD #Dyslexia #MAedu