Implementing Response to Intervention: A Principal's Guide

Learn how to launch RTI successfully and improve student outcomes significantly!

As a research-based model for improving reading achievement, Response to Intervention (RTI) has demonstrated dramatic results in elementary and middle schools. This practical guide provides a clear vision of what RTI looks like in practice and illustrates how educators can use this highly effective approach to help students acquire grade-appropriate reading skills or make sure students receive the support they need through special education services.

The author presents an accessible step-by-step action plan for putting the RTI process in motion, emphasises the critical role administrators play in ensuring successful implementation in their schools, and helps school leaders:

• Formulate a comprehensive assessment plan that includes an assessment calendar and a data management system
• Design a yearlong staff development plan to train teachers in using data for making instructional decisions
• Use data in grade-level, teacher, and parent meetings
• Motivate staff for optimum success without overwhelming them

This authoritative text charts a straightforward course for strengthening students' literacy skills and helping all youngsters become successful, enthusiastic readers.

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Lincoln Elementary School: A Case Study of What RTI Looks Like in a School

• Evidence of Buy-In
• Assessment Procedures
• Tiers of Instruction
• Data-Driven Decision Making

1. Why Implement RTI?
• What Is Response to Intervention (RTI)?
• Eight Core Principles of RTI
• Shaping the Initiative
• Why RTI Is More Than a Special Education Requirement
• History of RTI
• Forces Driving RTI
• Relationship of RTI to Other Reading Services
2. Setting the Stage for RTI
• Motivating Change
• Getting Ready to Launch RTI
• Communication Plan
• Planning an RTI Initiative
• Big Questions: Money, Time, and Results
3. Delivering Intervention Instruction
• Organizing for Intervention Groups
• Tiers of Intervention Instruction
• Processes for Moving Students Through the System
4. Using Progress Monitoring Data
• The Importance of Progress Monitoring Data
• Determining Which Indicators to Progress Monitor
• Graphing Rate of Progress
• Decisions That Require Progress Monitoring Data
• Using Progress Monitoring Data at Meetings
• Data Charts That Are a Must for Principals
5. Effective Models of Professional Development
• Designing an Effective Approach to Professional Development
• Content of the Professional Development
• Delivering Professional Development in Strands
• Differentiating the Training Throughout Implementation
• Dealing With Reluctant or Resistant Teachers
• Sharing Early Success Stories
6. What the Future Holds for RTI
• Three-Tier Model as Descriptive, Not Prescriptive
• Appropriate Use of Programs
• Future of Special Education Curriculum in Reading
• Broadening of RTI Beyond Early Reading

Resources: Sample Administrative RTI Data Notebook

References

Index

"Reading this book is like having a personal coach guiding one through the RTI implementation process. At a time when RTI has become one of the hottest buzz words in education, this book is a user-friendly resource providing education leaders moral support and clear, practical suggestions."
- American Association of School Administrators, The School Administrator, June 2008

"I loved it! We in the field are in need of this type of book."
- Jill Gildea, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Libertyville School District, IL

"As an administrator who has been trained in RTI and is in the second year of implementation, I found the book to be both interesting and informative. I have also told other administrators to keep an eye out for it."
- Jennifer Cruz, Principal

"Clearly outlines a process of how schools can work collaboratively toward creating schoolwide learning environments where effective RTI practices are implemented and data is used to inform instructional decisions about students. "
- Alice Hom, Principal

"As an administrator who has been trained in RTI and is in the second year of implementation, I found the book to be both interesting and informative. I have also told other administrators to keep an eye out for it."
- Jennifer Cruz, Principal

"Clearly outlines a process of how schools can work collaboratively toward creating schoolwide learning environments where effective RTI practices are implemented and data is used to inform instructional decisions about students. "
- Alice Hom, Principal