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Response to Instruction and Intervention – Part III

Published November 7, 2014

Within the RTI2 framework, levels of instruction are represented by tiers. Tier 1 instruction is the classroom instruction all students receive based on grade level standards. Students who need additional support can receive Tier 2 and possibly Tier 3 interventions.

Tier 1 Instruction

Tier 1 instruction is also referred to as the core instruction. This is the instruction that all students’ receive in reading, math, and the content areas. It is based on the Tennessee State Standards and the WCS Scope and Sequence. A majority of students are successful within Tier 1, core instruction.

Tier 2 Interventions

Tier 2 interventions are provided to students who are not demonstrating the necessary skills to achieve grade level standards. Tier 2 intervention is provided in addition to Tier 1 instruction. Students could receive an additional 30 minutes of instruction three to five days a week based on the student’s needs. The Tier 2 intervention must be research-based, meaning there is research to support the reliability and validity of the intervention. The student is progress-monitored to ensure the intervention is having a positive impact on the student’s learning. Adjustments are made to the intervention, and possibly to the tier of intervention the student receives, based on progress-monitoring information.

Tier 3 Interventions

Tier 3 interventions are provided to students who need more support than what can be provided in Tier 2. These students can receive up to an additional 60 minutes of intervention, three to five days a week, in addition to Tier 1 instruction. Tier 3 interventions are provided by a specialist in the area of the student’s weakness. The interventions provided at Tier 3 are also research-based and progress-monitored. Adjustments are made to the student’s intervention plan based on progress-monitoring information. If the student is not responding adequately to the intervention provided, a referral might be made to Special Education.

To read Part I of this series, please visit https://old.wcs.edu/infocus/2014/10/17/response-to-instruction-and-intervention/.

To read Part II of this series, please visit https://old.wcs.edu/infocus/2014/10/24/response-to-instruction-and-intervention-part-ii/.