RtI Tiers of Instruction

To complete our discussion of RtI I wanted to describe the structure of our RtI program that we will be operating for the 2008-2009 in all buildings. This program is mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education.

The RtI program will place all students into “Tiers” based on benchmarks specified by the state. Students who make expected progress in the general curriculum and who demonstrate social competence are placed into Tier 1. Tier 1 should include about 80-90% of the entire student population within the district. Students identified as requiring strategic or targeted interventions are placed in Tier 2. Tier 2 should include about 5-15% of the student population. Interventions are scientifically research-based and could include; core instruction with supplemental materials to promote learning, small group instruction to promote skill building, differentiated instruction in general education and the use of specialists to assist with strategic instruction both in and out of the general education classroom. Tier 3 should include the smallest student population. Approximately 1-5% of the student population will be found in Tier 3. Students in Tier 3 require intensive intervention and support which may include special education programs or resources.