What does the acronym "RTI" stand for in the context of special education?

In the context of special education, the acronym "RTI" stands for "Response to Intervention." This framework is designed to provide early, systematic assistance to children who demonstrate difficulty in learning. RTI focuses on the identification of students who may need additional support, employing a tiered approach that escalates the intensity of interventions based on the student's needs.

The first tier typically involves high-quality, general education instruction and monitoring, while subsequent tiers include more specialized and intensive interventions for those who continue to struggle. The goal is to improve educational outcomes by using data-driven decision-making throughout the process, allowing educators to proactively address learning gaps. This approach not only assists in identifying students who may require special education services but also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based instruction and interventions in the general education setting.