What does RTI stand for, and how is it related to assessment?

Response to Intervention, or RTI, is a multi-tiered framework used in educational settings to identify students who may need additional support and to provide that support through systematic intervention. The primary purpose of RTI is to monitor student progress and determine interventions based on data-driven decision-making.

In this model, all students receive high-quality instruction and regular assessments to identify those who are struggling. If a student is not responding to the general education curriculum, they are provided with increasingly intensive levels of support, often referred to as tiers. This iterative process allows educators to make informed decisions about the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies accordingly.

The emphasis on assessment within RTI is significant, as it underpins the decision-making process regarding the types and intensities of interventions applied. Regular progress monitoring assessments help in identifying students needing support and in evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions. Thus, RTI closely relates to assessment by utilizing data to improve student outcomes and ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated to those who need them most.