What is RTI?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. The RTI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of personnel, including general education teachers, special educators, and specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on individual student response to instruction. RTI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education settings. The goal is to create a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by student data.
Source:
RTI Network
The Professional Counselor's Role
Professional school counselors assist in the academic and behavioral development of students through the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program based on the ASCA National Model by:
- Providing all students with a standards-based guidance curriculum to address universal academic, career and personal/social development
- Analyzing academic and behavioral data to identify struggling students
- Identifying and collaborating on research-based intervention strategies that are implemented by school staff
- Evaluating academic and behavioral progress after interventions
- Revising interventions as appropriate
- Referring to school and community services as appropriate
- Collaborating with administrators about RTI design and implementation
- Advocating for equitable education for all students and working to remove systemic barriers
The role of the BMS Guidance Counselor
At BMS, the guidance counselor serves as a student advocate by collaborating with staff in the set up, implementation, and progress monitoring of students who are struggling with academic and behavioral issues.
In this role, the school counselor will meet weekly with grade level teams to explore options for students needs. The grade level teams will determine interventions, time-line for data collection, and movement options along tiered levels based on current data.
Parents are a vital component to RTI. Parents my contact the guidance counselor, principal, or classroom teacher to inquire information about their student and placement in RTI structure. A staff member may contact you to inform that your student may benefit from this approach.
The school counselor will meet with students in the RTI model to gain feedback about personal progress and interventions they felt are beneficial to their success.
The school counselor may assist and consult in direct services for each of the leveled tiers. RTI is a systematic approach to assist struggling learners and student's with behavioral needs.
This is team approach to education that involves the school, parents, outside resources, and most importantly, the student. Each student in the RTI system must be able to admit and accept that change is needed before any intervention can be successful!