RTI And Special Ed

Not sure about Georgia, but in California if you request testing in writing they have a set number of days that it must be completed within.

RTI is a buzz word in education. It is all about how your child is given intervention to boost low or a lack of academic skills and his/her response to that individual or small group attention. It's not an individualized education program (IEP) and they aren't required to have a planning meeting with you. In many CA districts, intervention is a daily thing in classrooms, a set period of day. The groups change with students moving in and out as the focus changes and students gain mastery of academic skills.

If you have a concern that your child has a learning disability, request testing in writing.

There are some levels to RtI. The first level is when a child receives the same instruction as everyone else. The second level (Tier 2) is when the child receives an intervention targeted at their weakness. In my school building it is not expected to have a meeting with the parent when the child is in a Tier 2 intervention. We provide additional instruction as a part of what we do daily. I do tell my students' parents, but I do not hold a meeting with them. If the student does not make progress, we then have the child placed in a third level (Tier 3). This is more intense and in addition to the other support in place. At this level is when we meet with parents to discuss what we've done so far.

As a teacher I sometimes get frustrated because it seems like a child can stay in the intervention process and not move forward. If you feel like your child is in need of special education services, put the request in writing and send a copy to the classroom teacher and principal. While we may get frustrated, using RtI in schools is now a federal mandate, so schools aren't "hiding behind" it, they must use it.

I am from NE and so everything I say will be based on what I have learned here. I am a senior at the University for special education and RTI has 3 tiers. Tier 1 is the general education. Tier 2 is where intervention is being provided and Tier 3 is when a referrel to Sped has been/should be made. Although RTI is intended for about 6 weeks, not 2 years. They should be documenting his progress and he should be going to Tier 1 or to Sped. Usually after the documentation of progress in the RTI process has been done that is when they call the parents and set up a meeting for Sped services, based on the data they have supporting that referrel. I am disappointed to hear that you haven't been more in the loop since you are in the school volunteering. If I were you I would be taking to someone whether it be the teacher, special ed coordinator, or even a principal or vice principal. In what I have learned 2 years is way to long for RTI. I hope it all works out for you and maybe more moms can give you helpful advice! Good Luck!

martha r you need to answer this question :)