RTI: The Intervention Tutor

Dear Educator,

I hope spring is well on its way where you are. Here's what's new this spring at Primary Concepts:

• We are proud to announce that we now carry Califone's complete line of audio and computer products. Visit our website to see the full selection of dependable, durable Califone products, designed especially for the tough school environment.
• We're looking forward to our best and biggest display ever at the National IRA Conference in Atlanta, from May 5 to 8. If you are attending, please stop by.
• Free gift with web purchase: Through May 15, or while supplies last, with every web order over $200, you'll receive a free counting and sorting set: over 130 realistic animal figures (6 each of at least 23 different animals), plus a set of 10 sorting rings-a $30.00 value!

Now on to this month's newsletter topic, Response to Intervention.

Best wishes,

Rosalind Iiams, Editor
editor@primaryconcepts.com

We are undergoing a sea change in the way we approach differentiated learning in this country. Like most big changes, it brings upheaval with it--but also the prospect of better outcomes for many children.

RTI Components. As more organizations and schools begin documenting and implementing the three-tier RTI model, a standard set of components has emerged (Sources: NCLD "Core Findings About Response to Intervention," and multi-organization publication on "New Roles in Response to Intervention"):

• School-wide screening (quick, repeatable testing of critical skills or behaviors to identify at-risk students
• Continuous, research-based progress monitoring (using preset rules to determine whether progress is being made)
• Fidelity of implementation and systematic, data-based documentation on each student
• Data-based decision making, by a collaborative team of school staff
• Staff development and collaboration (intervention is delivered by qualified personnel, who are trained in intervention techniques)
• Ongoing, organized, documented parent notification and involvement

Implementing the RTI Model. How do teachers fit all these components into their already busy routine? Because RTI is not a single, mandated approach, schools, districts, and states have the freedom, and the responsibility, of figuring out for themselves how to make the model work best for their students. The links below provide background research, resources and ideas on how schools across the country are turning theory into practice.

• Response to Intervention: LD Info Zone (National Council on Learning Disabilities--background info, research, additional web resources)

• Focus on Response to Intervention (IRA--helpful articles and links to resources)

• Embracing Response to Intervention (Education Week--Iowa's approach)

These recording sheets from our Intervention Response Journal provide an easy, convenient way to record and share data on each child's response to every intervention session.

The Intervention Tutor This complete RTI tutoring kit offers everything you need for tutoring one-on-one or in small groups, in 9 curriculum areas. Motivational, multi-sensory manipulatives involve children actively to achieve mastery quickly. Guidebooks offer step-by-step activities for scaffolded instruction in each area. The Needs Assessment Matrix helps you find just the right teaching tool for a child's individual needs. Record your ongoing assessment of each student's progress in the 32-page Intervention Response Journals. Organize, store, and transport all your intervention materials in the sturdy Tutorial Cart. Individual intervention kits are also available in 9 curriculum areas. Each kit contains manipulatives plus a guidebook of step-by-step activities. • Language Development • Alphabet • Phonemic Awareness • Letter/Sound Correspondence • Phonics • High Frequency Words • Reading Fluency • Grammar and Syntax • Bigger Words

We're looking for your feedback to make this newsletter as useful as possible to you, the reader. What topics would you like us to cover? Is there information or another feature that would be helpful? We'd love to hear from you—and we'll send you a free gift to thank you for your feedback.

Educators increasingly agree that comprehension strategies should be taught in the primary grades. What are the best ways to do it? We'll share some innovative strategies and resources.

"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful."

— Mother Teresa of Calcutta