What does the term 'response to intervention' (RTI) refer to?

The term 'response to intervention' (RTI) refers to a multi-tiered approach designed to identify students who may be struggling academically and to provide them with targeted support. This method begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all students in the general education classroom. It is characterized by different levels of intervention strategies; for example, students may receive increasingly intensive support based on their needs.

RTI emphasizes early identification of learning difficulties and prompts timely intervention, which can include personalized instruction, small group assistance, or specialized resources, depending on the tier of support needed. This framework aims to help all students achieve proficiency and to prevent long-term academic struggles.

Through the RTI process, educators can continually monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.