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What is Response to Intervention (RTI)?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a relatively new model for identifying learning disabilities in students. Until recently, learning disabilities were identified by calculating a significant discrepancy, or difference, (usually a specific number of points) between a child’s cognitive ability (IQ) and his or her achievement in a certain area (e.g., math, reading, or writing). Now, however, many states are requiring that schools document that a child has been given ample opportunity to respond to appropriate, evidence-based interventions prior to diagnosing him or her with a learning disability and gaining access to special education services. Certain states also require that cognitive processing deficits be identified and linked to problems in academic performance. In Texas, recent changes in state law have ushered in the RTI model and these practices are being gradually adopted by school districts. Additional information about RTI may be found at http://www. rti4success.org.
How will Response to Intervention (RTI) change the way my son receives special education support?
Because Response to Intervention (RTI) is a new process, the exact manner in which it is implemented in schools may vary. In general, the school will first offer your child academic support in the regular education classroom with his regular education teacher to determine whether minor instructional changes are all that are needed to succeed. This happens before any diagnosis is made by the school's psychologist or assessment specialist. During this time, school personnel will be in contact with you and your child's teacher to get feedback about whether or not these interventions are working, and they may make classroom visits to observe your child. If he continues to struggle after these interventions have been implemented, a referral can be made for an evaluation. This evaluation will determine whether he qualifies for special education services based on the presence of a disability that significantly interferes with his educational progress. If such a disability is found, your son may then be eligible for the greater level of support services offered through special education.
Can an assessment through the ApaCenter still be useful in gaining access to special education services for my son?
Although an assessment through the ApaCenter cannot immediately open a door to special education services, it is likely to make the Response to Intervention (RTI) process more effective and efficient. That is, the ApaCenter psychologist who works with your son will acquire a thorough knowledge of his strengths and weaknesses based upon a comprehensive psychological assessment. The psychologist will offer a number of recommendations for your child's school, and these suggestions will ensure that the interventions and academic support offered in the regular education classroom are tailored to his specific needs. If your child continues to struggle despite the interventions that the school implements, the time that it takes to obtain more extensive services through special education may be greatly reduced if he has already completed a psychological assessment with an ApaCenter psychologist. This is because it is unlikely that your son’s school would need to take him through the lengthy assessment process if he has a recent, comprehensive evaluation by an ApaCenter psychologist.
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