Arrowhead Elementary School

What are the Essential Components of RtII?

• 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 RtII 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 RtII 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.

RtII is generally defined as a three-tier (or three-step) model of school supports that uses research-based academic interventions.