What is the primary purpose of Response to Intervention (RTI)?

The primary purpose of Response to Intervention (RTI) is to provide a structured method for identifying and addressing the needs of students who may be struggling academically. By implementing a multi-tiered approach, RTI allows educators to distinguish between students who have specific learning disabilities and those whose academic challenges stem from inadequate instruction. This targeted identification is crucial because it ensures that students receive the appropriate interventions and support based on their specific needs, rather than being incorrectly classified solely based on poor performance.

Through RTI, schools can implement universal screening for all students, monitor progress, and use data-driven decision-making to provide tiered levels of intervention. This systematic approach helps prevent misdiagnosis and supports informed instructional practices, ultimately benefiting student outcomes.

In contrast, enhancing teacher collaboration, focusing exclusively on high-achieving students, and eliminating the need for formal assessments do not align with the fundamental goals of RTI, which is centered around tailored instructional strategies for those at risk of failure.