Within Response-to-Intervention models, schools create layers of instructional tiers to match levels of support to students’ needs. However, there are seemingly contradictory descriptions of Tier 2 and Tier 3 within the literature, and... more
Within Response-to-Intervention models, schools create layers of instructional tiers to match levels of support to students’ needs. However, there are seemingly contradictory descriptions of Tier 2 and Tier 3 within the literature, and there is a reported need for further clarification on how to intensify instruction within RTI. To provide that clarity, the exact differences between Tier 2 and Tier 3 supplemental support are presented. The differences are described across (a) organizational factors, including time and group size, and (b) assessment factors, including the level of problem analysis and frequency of progress monitoring. Scheduling of instructional time and differences between elementary and secondary settings are also discussed. A list of instructional factors is also included.
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for organizing and integrating academic, social, and emotional supports within a school. Full implementation of MTSS establishes a continuum of readily-available supports matched to... more
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for organizing and integrating academic, social, and emotional supports within a school. Full implementation of MTSS establishes a continuum of readily-available supports matched to student needs. Federal education statute and state-education agencies (SEAs) have prioritized the scale-up of MTSS as a means of improving student performance and the quality of the school learning environment. Our prior research into SEA MTSS scale-up projects identified critical incidents, that helped or hindered the success of these projects in 27 states. The purpose of this paper is to reexamine our findings using the active implementation framework to identify the linkages between the an implementation framework developed based on implementation science and critical incidents in the scale-up of MTSS. We provide recommendations to educational leaders and researchers. In addition, we provide commentary on the utility the active implementation framework as it applies to state scale-up and consider areas for future research.
When visual impairments (VI) and learning disabilities (LD) coexist, it is common for one (i.e., typically LD) to go unidentified. Some school districts may be reluctant to identify students with both VI and LD, potentially causing... more
When visual impairments (VI) and learning disabilities (LD) coexist, it is common for one (i.e., typically LD) to go unidentified. Some school districts may be reluctant to identify students with both VI and LD, potentially causing students to miss out on much-needed services. Child study teams can find support to address this dual diagnosis using a response to intervention (RTI) framework. This article provides guidance and tools for using an RTI framework in the accurate identification of LD in students with VI.
This paper was produced by the National Center on Response to Intervention. The Center provides technical assistance to states and districts and builds the capacity of states to assist districts in implementing proven response to... more
This paper was produced by the National Center on Response to Intervention. The Center provides technical assistance to states and districts and builds the capacity of states to assist districts in implementing proven response to intervention frameworks.
In the compelling documentary Paper Tigers we follow the intimate story of several students at Lincoln High School (LHS) in Walla Walla, Washington. We see the students’ lives through their perspectives as they collaboratively construct... more
In the compelling documentary Paper Tigers we follow the intimate story of several students at Lincoln High School (LHS) in Walla Walla, Washington. We see the students’ lives through their perspectives as they collaboratively construct the documentary via hand-held cameras. We are presented with their struggles first hand: neglect, conflict, drug addiction, domestic violence, abandonment and family illness, to name a few. We learn of these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through student testimonials and conversations with adults they trust. Their stories are compelling and as viewers we are drawn in to feel alongside the students.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2015) only 34% of eighth grade students in the U.S. scored at or above proficient in reading and only 33% were at or above proficient in math. Reading comprehension is essential... more
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2015) only 34% of eighth grade students in the U.S. scored at or above proficient in reading and only 33% were at or above proficient in math. Reading comprehension is essential for the acquisition of knowledge in all coursework and those students who have reading deficits may experience increased academic failure. Deficits in math skills may also increase core academic failure for secondary students expected to complete rigorous courses in algebra and beyond. In a review of the literature, Blount (2012) deduced that academic failure is one of the main predictive risk factors in secondary students for dropping out of school, which can have long term social, emotional, and financial ramifications. The importance of reading and math achievement is not under debate; however, the research in the literature regarding systematic academic intervention for secondary students is sparse (Bemboom & McMaster, 2013). This quantitative st...
