Although school districts state- wide are required to have response to intervention programs in place for K-4 students by July, many middle school students also need extra help — underscoring the importance of examining the adaptation of the RtI framework and practices.
RtI helps schools identify struggling students early on and provide academic intervention with the goal of enhancing students' chances for future academic success.
NYSUT offered a unique perspective on the issue last month, hosting "Scaling up RtI to Middle School: Issues and Challenges and Exemplary Models." The event was sponsored in collaboration with the New York State Council of School Superintendents, School Administrators of New York State, the state Education Department and the New York State Response to Intervention Technical Assistance Center.
"We need to ensure adolescents struggling with reading get the help they need to succeed academically," said Maria Neira, NYSUT vice president.
Presenters included Daryl Mellard, a research associate with the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas; and Theresa M. Janczak, principal investigator for the New York State RtI Technical Assistance Center.
NYSUT's Education & Learning Trust offers several courses to help districts develop RtI programs. Contact ELT at 800-528-6208 or visit www.nysut.org/elt for details.