to

Theresa M. Janczak, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Exceptional Education, BSCPrincipal Investigator,

NYS RtI TAC

1

BEST PRACTICES in RtI

Best Practices

in RtI Core Instruction

Assessment: Screening

Assessment: Progress Monitoring

Intervention

Teaming/Collaboration

Infrastructure

Professional Development

Leadership

Parent Involvement

2

Activity #1: NYS RtI Readiness Survey

Task: Complete NYS RtI Readiness Survey on your district.

• Read each statement under each of the nine components related to RtI

• Rate the level of implementation as applies to your school/district1= My school is not currently implementing this practice. 2 = My school is beginning to implement this practice. 3 = My school partially implements this practice, but not

consistently and with fidelity.4 = My school fully implements this practice with fidelity on a

consistent basis by all staff members.DK = I don’t know or am unsure how well

this practice is being implemented in my school.

3

4

The devil is in the details. The success of Response to Intervention will depend on whether it is appropriately implemented by highly-trained professionals - and this is likely to be a problem.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/rti.index.htm

Best Practice Indicators: CORE INSTRUCTION

Addresses 5 pillars of reading: PA, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in an explicit and systematic manner

Aligned to NYS ELA standards and grade level expectations

Differentiated instruction using materials that are aligned to abilities and needs of all students

80% of students in core meet benchmark criteria

Evidence-based for intended population

Delivered in a 90+ uninterrupted ELA block

Fidelity of implementation is monitored regularly

5

Best Practice Indicators:

ASSESSMENT - SCREENING

Screening tool(s) are able to determine at-risk status

Universal screening – 3x year minimum

Logistical details for screening established

Screening data graphed and shared on a routine basis

PD on screening administration and interpretation of data (*refresher sessions)

Decision rules established

Fidelity on administration procedures

6

Best Practice Indicators:

ASSESSMENT – PROGRESS MONITORING

PM tool (s) able to determine level of performance and rate of progress

Includes CBMs + informal measures

PM data maintained on all tiered intervention students

PM data graphed and shared on a routine basis

PD PM administration and interpretation of data (*refresher sessions)

Decision rules established

Fidelity on administration procedures

Frequent PM (bimonthly – Tier 2; weekly – Tier 3)

7

Best Practice Indicators: TIER 2Menu of evidence-based interventions

Additional/supplemental instruction provided (20 min/3-4x/week)

Checks for fidelity of intervention

Interventions implemented by knowledgeable & skilled staff

Small, homogenous groups (>5)

Provided as soon as at-risk status established

Consistent with core instruction in terms of vocabulary & strategies

Matched to student needs

PM data used to evaluate effectiveness of intervention

8

Best Practice Indicators: TIER 3Use of evidence-based interventions

Additional/supplemental instruction provided (60 min/4-5x/week)

Checks for fidelity of intervention

Interventions implemented by knowledgeable & highly skilled staff

Small groups (>2) or one-on-one

Consistent with core instruction in terms of vocabulary & strategies

Matched to student needs

PM data used to evaluate effectiveness of Tier 3

9

Best Practice Indicators: INFRASTRUCTURE

Data management system

Use of data to determine RtI efficacy refine RtI process

Embedded in district/school improvement plans

RtI Implementation Plan constructed

Small groups (>2) or one-on-one

Consistent with core instruction in terms of vocabulary & strategies

Staff buy-in

10

Best Practice Indicators: TEAMING/COLLABORATION

Multi-disciplinary RtI team – identified functions

RtI problem-solving team – building based

RtI literacy coach – regular meetings w/staff

Decisions are driven by data

Shared responsibility

Time

Communication

11

Best Practice Indicators: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Determined by data

All staff receives RtI Overview

PD – job-embedded & on-going

Linked to school improvement plan

Reflects key features:Using data to inform instruction

Screening & PM - administration + interpretation

Differentiated reading instruction

Evidenced-based instruction

Collaborative teaming

CBM – reading + math

Tiered intervention12

Best Practice Indicators: LEADERSHIP

Active & meaningful participation of building principal

13

Best Practice Indicators: PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Rtl information provided

Parent notification

Screening results

Nature of intervention

Progress reports

Special education information

14

The devil is in the

details.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/rti.index.htm

Key questions to consider for your RtI

implementationHow many tiers?

What is the nature of tiered interventions –Standard protocol vs. problem-solving

How will you identify at-risk students?

How will you determine “response?”Final status on norm-referenced test or benchmark

Pre/post improvement

CBM slope and final status

What will you do with students who are very slow/low response?

15

Challenges to RtI

High quality Tier 1/Core instruction

Time/scheduling for supplemental intervention

What does RtI look like at the middle school? high school?

Maintaining momentum & focus

Where does special education fit in?

Fidelity of implementation

16

THANK YOU!

janczatm@ nysrti.org

17