Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered educational framework that provides increasingly intensive support to struggling learners before they fall significantly behind, using data-driven decisions to guide instruction.
What is Response to Intervention?
Response to Intervention is a systematic approach to identifying and supporting students who struggle academically or behaviorally. Rather than waiting for a child to fail before providing help, RTI emphasizes early identification and prevention through tiered levels of support. Formalized in federal law through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, RTI uses regular assessment data to match students with appropriate instructional intensity. The goal is simple: catch struggles early and intervene before small gaps become significant learning problems.
Key Takeaways
- RTI uses a three-tier pyramid model with increasing levels of instructional intensity
- Tier 1 serves all students through quality core instruction; Tiers 2 and 3 provide targeted and intensive support
- Progress monitoring and data-driven decisions guide movement between tiers
- Homeschoolers can apply RTI principles through regular assessment, targeted interventions, and tracking progress
- RTI is about prevention and early intervention, not waiting for failure
The Three Tiers Explained
RTI operates on a pyramid model. Tier 1 represents high-quality core instruction that works for about 80-85% of students. Tier 2 provides targeted small-group support for the 10-15% of students who need additional help, typically 2-3 times weekly for 8-12 weeks. Tier 3 offers the most intensive, individualized intervention for the 1-5% of students who don't respond adequately to earlier tiers. Students move fluidly between tiers based on progress data, not permanent labels. A child might need Tier 3 support for reading while remaining at Tier 1 for math.
Applying RTI Principles at Home
Homeschooling naturally provides individualized attention, but RTI principles can sharpen your approach. Start with universal screening two to three times yearly using curriculum-based assessments or standardized tests to identify potential struggles early. When you spot a problem area, implement targeted intervention using different methods or supplemental materials. Track progress weekly or biweekly for areas of concern, adjusting your approach based on what the data shows. If your child isn't responding to your interventions, consider outside support like tutoring, educational therapy, or professional evaluation.
RTI vs. MTSS
You may encounter the term MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) used alongside or instead of RTI. While RTI focuses primarily on academic interventions, MTSS is a broader umbrella that includes behavioral and social-emotional supports through frameworks like PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). Many schools now use MTSS as the overarching term, with RTI as one component focused specifically on academics.
The Bottom Line
RTI offers homeschool families a structured way to identify learning challenges early and respond systematically. While you may never use the formal terminology, the core principles translate well: assess regularly, intervene quickly when you spot struggles, track whether your interventions work, and seek additional help when needed. The homeschool advantage is that you're already providing individualized attention. Adding data-driven decision-making helps ensure that attention is directed where it matters most.
