Implementing Response to Intervention: A Principal's Guide

"I loved it! We in the field are in need of this type of book." —Jill Gildea, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Libertyville School District, IL "Clearly outlines how schools can work collaboratively toward creating schoolwide learning environments where effective RTI practices are implemented and data is used to inform instructional decisions about students." —Alice Hom, Principal Yung Wing Elementary P.S. 124, New York City, NY "Even as an administrator who has been trained in RTI, I found the book to be both interesting and informative. I have told other administrators to keep an eye out for it." —Jennifer Cruz, Principal Mirage Elementary School, Glendale, AZ Learn how to launch RTI successfully and improve student outcomes significantly! As a research-based model for improving reading achievement, Response to Intervention (RTI) has demonstrated dramatic results in elementary and middle schools. This practical guide provides a clear vision of what RTI looks like in practice and illustrates how educators can use this highly effective approach to help students acquire grade-appropriate reading skills or make sure students receive the support they need through special education services. The author presents an accessible step-by-step action plan for putting the RTI process in motion, emphasizes the critical role administrators play in ensuring successful implementation in their schools, and helps school leaders: Formulate a comprehensive assessment plan that includes an assessment calendar and a data management system Design a yearlong staff development plan to train teachers in using data for making instructional decisions Use data in grade-level, teacher, and parent meetings Motivate staff for optimum success without overwhelming them This authoritative text charts a straightforward course for strengthening students' literacy skills and helping all youngsters become successful, enthusiastic readers.

Table of Contents:
List of Tables and Figures Foreword Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Lincoln Elementary School: A Case Study of What RTI Looks Like in a School Evidence of Buy-In Assessment Procedures Tiers of Instruction Data-Driven Decision Making 1. Why Implement RTI? What Is Response to Intervention (RTI)? Eight Core Principles of RTI Shaping the Initiative Why RTI Is More Than a Special Education Requirement History of RTI Forces Driving RTI Relationship of RTI to Other Reading Services 2. Setting the Stage for RTI Motivating Change Getting Ready to Launch RTI Communication Plan Planning an RTI Initiative Big Questions: Money, Time, and Results 3. Delivering Intervention Instruction Organizing for Intervention Groups Tiers of Intervention Instruction Processes for Moving Students Through the System 4. Using Progress Monitoring Data The Importance of Progress Monitoring Data Determining Which Indicators to Progress Monitor Graphing Rate of Progress Decisions That Require Progress Monitoring Data Using Progress Monitoring Data at Meetings Data Charts That Are a Must for Principals 5. Effective Models of Professional Development Designing an Effective Approach to Professional Development Content of the Professional Development Delivering Professional Development in Strands Differentiating the Training Throughout Implementation Dealing With Reluctant or Resistant Teachers Sharing Early Success Stories 6. What the Future Holds for RTI Three-Tier Model as Descriptive, Not Prescriptive Appropriate Use of Programs Future of Special Education Curriculum in Reading Broadening of RTI Beyond Early Reading Resources: Sample Administrative RTI Data Notebook References Index