Tier 1: The Whole Class
In the general education classroom, the teacher measures everyone’s skills. This is known as a universal screening. The screening helps the teacher work with students in small groups based on their skill levels. All students are taught using methods that research has shown to be effective.
The school will let you know if your child is struggling and will update you on his RTI progress. In some schools, the majority of students need Tier 1 instructional support because their reading and math skills are not at grade level.
During the intervention, the RTI team monitors students’ progress to see who might need additional support. Many students respond successfully to Tier 1 support and achieve grade-level expectations.
Tier 2: Small Group Interventions
If your child isn’t making adequate progress in Tier 1, he’ll start to receive more targeted help. This is in addition to the regular classroom instruction, not a replacement for it. Tier 2 interventions take place a few times a week during electives or enrichment activities such as music or art so your child won’t miss any core instruction in the classroom.
During these extra help sessions, he’ll be taught in small groups using a different method than in Tier 1 because the first method wasn’t successful. The teacher may also ask you to work with your child at home on certain skills.
The school will monitor your child’s progress so it’s clear whether the Tier 2 intervention is helping.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions
Typically, only a small percentage of the class—perhaps one or two students— will require Tier 3 support. In many schools, though, that number is much higher. If your child needs Tier 3 support, it will be tailored to his needs. Every day he’ll receive one-on-one instruction or work in very small groups. The groups may include some students who are receiving special education services and who need to work on the same skills.
Your child will continue to spend most of the day in the general education classroom. If he doesn’t make adequate progress in Tier 3, it’s likely that the school will recommend an evaluation for special education services. This can open the door to individualized teaching, assistive technology and other resources provided at no cost to you.
In the general education classroom, the teacher measures everyone’s skills. This is known as a universal screening. The screening helps the teacher work with students in small groups based on their skill levels. All students are taught using methods that research has shown to be effective.
The school will let you know if your child is struggling and will update you on his RTI progress. In some schools, the majority of students need Tier 1 instructional support because their reading and math skills are not at grade level.
During the intervention, the RTI team monitors students’ progress to see who might need additional support. Many students respond successfully to Tier 1 support and achieve grade-level expectations.
Tier 2: Small Group Interventions
If your child isn’t making adequate progress in Tier 1, he’ll start to receive more targeted help. This is in addition to the regular classroom instruction, not a replacement for it. Tier 2 interventions take place a few times a week during electives or enrichment activities such as music or art so your child won’t miss any core instruction in the classroom.
During these extra help sessions, he’ll be taught in small groups using a different method than in Tier 1 because the first method wasn’t successful. The teacher may also ask you to work with your child at home on certain skills.
The school will monitor your child’s progress so it’s clear whether the Tier 2 intervention is helping.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions
Typically, only a small percentage of the class—perhaps one or two students— will require Tier 3 support. In many schools, though, that number is much higher. If your child needs Tier 3 support, it will be tailored to his needs. Every day he’ll receive one-on-one instruction or work in very small groups. The groups may include some students who are receiving special education services and who need to work on the same skills.
Your child will continue to spend most of the day in the general education classroom. If he doesn’t make adequate progress in Tier 3, it’s likely that the school will recommend an evaluation for special education services. This can open the door to individualized teaching, assistive technology and other resources provided at no cost to you.