RTI is put in place to help struggling students. Students who need help academically will get tested and then receive services they may need. RTI is a tiered system meant to put students through a set of step they must go through before they receive more intense instruction and services such as special need classes. The RTI system is comprised of 3 tiers. Tier one is classroom intervention. students are put into smaller groups during certain class instruction time to ensure they are comprehending what is begin taught (Like me! I am a tier 1 interventionist in my school district!) Tier two is push in and pull out services. These are specialized instruction based on the students needs. Lastly, tier 3 is special education classes in which the classroom teacher, special subject teacher, administration and parent must all come to an agreement to place the child in the needed services.
While educators and administration go to great length to ensure students receive the help they need, parents must be on board with the academic plan as well. My question is what if the parent does no agree with the plan of action? What can an educator do to ensure or persuade the parent in that these services would be good for their student? I know and have seen parents become defense of their child and blame academic issues on bad teaching. How can a teacher deal with these issues in the most effective way to deal with this.
Wow, interesting perspective Karla. I didn't realize this is what you do! I didn't realize Tier 1 is in the classroom, and Tier 2 would be considered push-in or pull-out. I'm glad to have your perspective as someone working in the field currently! I can see how if parents didn't want any special intervention for their children that it could be a problem in getting the student the help that they need.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you mentioned parent resistance. I have also questioned how a teacher should respond in a situation where parents resist. I work at an after school literacy program and have witnessed parents in denial about a students need for support and question how a teacher can encourage a parent to support a program designed to benefit their child.
ReplyDeleteHi Karla
ReplyDeleteI like your detailed perspective on RTI. You provide a lot of insight in your post. I agree parents play a vital role in education in addition to teachers. Both are needed to ensure a child is academically successful. I think Parents are more of a driving force for success and motivates a child to care about education.
Thank you Karla,
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job breaking down the tiers and speaking of what is included in the tiers. As commented by others, you bring a great point when it comes to parent involvement. If the parent knows that both share the same goal, and that is student success, they will get on board easily.