RTI:

Response to
Intervention
IN CHILDREN
WITH DYSLEXIA
DONNA MOORE - READ 515

RTI: What is it?

RTI is a multi-step approach that aims to identify
kids who are struggling in school. It uses targeted
teaching to help them keep up. It measures a
student's progress and provides more support if
needed.

Steps to RTI

1. Universal Screening Measures 2. Diagnostic Measures

The teacher assesses everyone in the
class, using an assessment such as PALS,
or something similar. These assessments
are conducted three times a year. This
information helps RTI teams know who
needs instructional interventions. Entry
point for the special education eligibility
process: Federal law says that when
deciding if a student is eligible for special
education, the school district can use a
“process that determines if the child
responds to scientific, research-based
intervention.” That’s one of the reasons
many states use RTI.
Used to assess specific skills
These assessments can be formal
(standardized tests) or informal
(informal reading inventories).
Most important for struggling and at-
risk readers.
Weaknesses in both phonological
awareness and RAN are indicators
that a student may have a dyslexia
risk profile.

3. Instruction/Intervention
Tier 1 - The RTI process begins with the classroom teacher providing appropriate
instruction to all students in the general education classroom, using methods and
materials based on research.
Tier 2 -
Intervention is in addition to regular class-room instruction.
May be provided within the classroom or in a separate room where the student is
taught in a small group, receiving additional instruction time, and/or taught using
various instructional methods such as more opportunities for practice and more
intensive instruction on concepts. During this time, a student’s progress will be
monitored regularly to see if the intervention is meeting the targeted needs.
Tier 3 -
Provided for students who are not progressing with Tier 2 intervention
Instruction may be more frequent, in a smaller group and/or for a longer period of
time.
Focuses specifically on skills with which the student may be having difficulty

4. Progress Monitoring
Progress monitoring involves a frequent
assessment of a student’s performance in
specific skill areas.
Is used to determine whether the specific
intervention is working
Provides information to the student’s
teacher on how to adjust instruction to
meet the student’s needs.

Lack of Progress: What Happens Next?

Some students may require further
evaluation.
If there is concern that the student might
have a disability affecting his/her ability to
make satisfactory progress, the school will
seek the parent’s consent to conduct an
individual evaluation to determine if the
student qualifies for special education
services.
The information gathered through the RTI
process will be considered as part of this
evaluation.
 Summary
RTI is an educational strategy used by schools to:
1. Provide effective instruction for all students.
2. Monitor students' progress to make sure progress is being made.
3. Provide additional support to students who are struggling.

Questions for Discussion

1. How do you describe to a parent, the difference in screening

measures and diagnostic measures?

2. What assessments does your school use to screen for RTI?

3. Do you agree with our statement that weaknesses in PA and

RAN are indicators that a student may have dyslexia?

References
Morin, A. (2023, February 7). What is response to intervention (RTI)?.
Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-
response-to-intervention