Response to Interventions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RtI?
"RtI" stands for response to intervention. (In some districts, it is referred to as POI, which stands for pyramid of intervention.) The RtI program is in place in Bulloch County to help educators determine if students are progressing as expected or if they need additional help to be successful in school. It is a multi-tiered system of support and a proactive process that is designed to provide extra support for students before the point of failure is reached. It focuses on identifying students who are struggling and then provides layers of intensive interventions and progress monitoring.
View a description of the tiers of intervention, as published by the Georgia DOE.
2. Why is the RtI program at the school?
The purpose of the RtI program is to identify students who need additional support to be successful at school by helping them with areas in need of improvement. Federal laws (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015 and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004) emphasize the importance of providing high quality, scientifically based instruction and interventions for all students to meet grade level standards.
3. I recently received a letter notifying me that my child was referred to tier 2. What does this mean?
When students are referred to tier 2, this means that the teachers feel they will benefit from extra support during the school day. This is based on a review of academic history (e.g., assessments), as well as the student's current performance. The RtI coordinator mails a notification letter to the parents to inform them of the student's tier 2 status. Typically, the nurse will administer a hearing/vision screening at this point, as long as the parent gives consent for this to proceed. In addition, students receive instruction targeted to meet their needs. Goals are developed based on the areas of need, and progress checks occur at regular intervals.
4. When do the interventions occur?
Students may receive interventions throughout the day, including during connections. There are academic support classes offered during the connections time, including study skills, math support, and ELA support. Schedule changes typically occur at logical transition points during the school year (e.g., beginning of a new grading period).
5. Can I request a conference to discuss my child's referral to tier 2?
Absolutely! Parents are invited and welcome to play an active role in their children's education. Parents may request a conference at any point with the teachers and response to intervention coordinator.
6. What does it mean if my child is referred to tier 3?
When students continue to make inadequate progress in tier 2, educators and parents meet to determine more individually-targeted instruction. A limited amount of diagnostic testing may be recommended to target specific weaknesses and determine appropriate interventions.
7. How long will my child be in the tiers of intervention?
Students may remain in tier 2 or 3 for as long as needed. Students who make sufficient progress may be referred back to tier 1. Parents receive a notification letter from the RtI coordinator so they are aware of this.
8. What happens if my child does not respond to the interventions in tier 3?
There are a variety of things that will be considered. Interventions may be adjusted or changed if needed. Further evaluation may also be considered to determine if the student may be eligible for a 504 accommodation plan or special education services, provided the parent gives consent for the evaluation to proceed.
9. I have already had an independent psychological evaluation completed and am interested in special education services for my child. What do I need to do? Does my child still need to have testing completed at the school?
If the psychological report has been completed within a year, the information may be considered regarding the student's eligibility for special education services. However, some testing may also need to be completed by the school psychologist.
Contact Mrs. Sherrod to set up an appointment to discuss the information. Also, you may read the article, The Difference Between a School Identification and a Clinical Diagnosis, to learn more about the testing process.
10. Where can I find more information about the pyramid of intervention?
Georgia Department of Education Response to Intervention Information for Parents