What is the main goal of Response to Intervention (RTI)?

The main goal of Response to Intervention (RTI) is to monitor struggling students’ growth and responsiveness. RTI is an educational strategy designed to provide early, systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty in school. It emphasizes identifying students who need additional support through tiered levels of interventions.

By focusing on individual student progress, educators can tailor interventions to meet specific needs, assess their effectiveness, and adjust instruction based on the data collected. This approach not only aims to support struggling students but also helps to prevent more severe academic challenges down the line.

In contrast, alternatives such as streamlining teaching methods or improving standardized test scores do not capture the essence of RTI, which prioritizes individualized support over punitive measures or performance outcomes alone. Additionally, punishment for students who do not meet expectations is contrary to the RTI philosophy, which is centered around support and intervention rather than disciplinary action.