Simplifying Response to Intervention: Four Essential Guiding Principles

In this sequel to the bestselling Pyramid Response to Intervention, authors Buffum, Mattos, and Weber advocate that an effective RTI model begins by asking the right questions. RTI is not a series of implementation steps to cross off a list, the authors suggest, but rather a way of thinking about how educators can ensure that each child receives the time and support needed to succeed in school and in life. When educators base their thinking about RTI on four essential guiding principles, they will find the most effective answers to implementation questions.

The four essential principles of pyramid response to intervention explored in the book are:

1.Collective responsibility A shared belief that the primary responsibility of each member of the organization is to ensure high levels of learning for every child

2.Concentrated instruction A collaborative process that focuses teacher teams on the skills and knowledge most important to the student and his or her future

3.Convergent assessment An ongoing process of collecting targeted information to add depth and breadth to the understanding of each student's individual needs, obstacles, and points of learning leverage

4.Certain access A systematic process that guarantees every student will receive the time and support needed to learn at high levels

Drawing from their experiences working with hundreds of schools across North America, the authors explain why bureaucratic, paperwork-heavy, compliance-oriented, test-score-driven approaches fail and then show how to create an RTI model that works. They address both academics and behavior in each chapter, and provide considerations for district leadership as well.