January 2022

Created as part of the Research Brief Series from the Center for Effective School Practices.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a three-tiered model used to evaluate students’ learning needs, identify those that require academic and behavioral supports beyond core instruction, and determine eligibility for special education services. Originally developed for early literacy programs in elementary schools, RTI is now also used to evaluate students’ reading, math, and behavioral needs across all grade levels. Within an effective RTI model, schools utilize evidence-based programs aligned with state learning standards and all educators receive ongoing professional development. Universal screening measures along with ongoing assessments are used to establish academic and behavioral baselines as well as progress-tracking data. This process equips educators with the information needed to accurately identify learners that could benefit from additional support and coordinate differentiated instruction based on students’ specific learning needs. .

This brief highlights best-practices that have been identified through educational research as key contributors to success.

You may download this publication here.