RTI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the RTI Action Network?

The RTI Action Network is a program of the National Center for Learning Disabilities designed to facilitate and support the development of approaches that improve educational outcomes for all students and in particular struggling students.

How is the RTI Action Network supported?

The RTI Action Network is funded by a generous grant from the Cisco Foundation. RTI Action Network Founding Partners are: the American Federation of Teachers AFT), International Reading Association (IRA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), and National Education Association (NEA).

What is RTI?

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered approach to help struggling learners. RTI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by child outcome data.

How is a student evaluated?

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.

What allows RTI to benefit a student?

For RTI implementation to work well, the following essential components must be implemented with fidelity and in a rigorous manner:

• High-quality, scientifically based classroom instruction. All students receive high-quality, research-based instruction in the general education classroom.
• Ongoing student assessment. Universal screening and progress monitoring provide information about a student’s learning rate and level of achievement, both individually and in comparison with the peer group. These data are then used when determining which students need closer monitoring or intervention. Throughout the RTI process, student progress is monitored frequently to examine student achievement and gauge the effectiveness of the curriculum. Decisions made regarding students' instructional needs are based on multiple data points taken in context over time.
• Tiered instruction. A multi-tier approach is used to efficiently differentiate instruction for all students. The model incorporates increasing intensities of instruction offering specific, research-based interventions matched to student needs.
• Parent involvement. Schools implementing RTI provide parents information about their child’s progress, the instruction and interventions used, the staff who are delivering the instruction and the academic or behavioral goals for their child.

What does the RTI Action Network do?

The RTI Action Network provides essential information, tools and access to experts on RTI and related subjects to education professionals and families.  In partnership with the nation's leading education associations and top RTI experts, the RTI Action Network helps ensure that each child has access to quality instruction and that struggling students – including those with learning disabilities – are identified early and receive the necessary supports to be successful.

Press Releases

September 30, 2009, RTI Action Network Reports Strong Momentum and Results

April 7, 2008, RTI Action Network Kicks off Campaign and Launches New Web site