Academic Interventions
for RTI Tiers 1, 2, and 3
Adapted from
Increasing Student Success Using the RTI Model
The Response to Intervention (RTI) process starts in the general education classroom
with high-quality instruction and universal screening for all children.
Some students struggle to access the curriculum as it is designed and implemented in the
whole-class setting. RTI systems provide these learners with “interventions at increasing
levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning” (RTI Action Network, n.d.).
Progress is monitored closely to track the performance of individual students as well as the
rate at which they are learning (RTI Action Network, n.d.). Then, decisions for what happens next
are based on individual student data.
Let’s take a look at some academic interventions implemented throughout the RTI process.
Harlacher, J. E., Sanford, A., & Nelson Walker, N. (n.d.). Distinguishing between tier 2 and tier 3 instruction in order to support
implementation of RTI. RTI Action Network. http://rtinetwork.org/essential/tieredinstruction/tier3/distinguishing-between-
tier-2-and-tier-3-instruction-in-order-to-support-implementation-of-rti
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS FOR RTI TIERS 1, 2, AND 3
Tier 3
Intensive
Intervention
Tier 2
Targeted Intervention
Tier 1
Research-Based Core Instruction
TIER 1
Tier 1 includes high-quality classroom instruction that is intended for the whole class. Research should support
the effectiveness of the curriculum and instructional methods. Tier 1 instruction works for most students most
of the time.
•
Evidence-based curriculum, materials, and instructional methods
•
Reaches a wide range of learners, including learners with disabilities,
English language learners, and learners who are gifted
•
Allows for differentiation and scaffolding to meet students’ needs
•
Uses ongoing assessments to track performance
TIER 2
Tier 2 targets small groups of students based on academic data gathered from different assessments.
Interventions in Tier 2 must be evidence-based and meet the specic needs of a smaller subset of students.
•
Provided in addition to Tier 1 instruction
•
Includes regular progress monitoring
•
Features explicit, systematic instruction, often through a gradual release of responsibility model
•
May be provided in a teacher-led small-group setting of 4–6 students or through a targeted online program
•
Provides multiple opportunities to practice
•
Offers immediate corrective feedback
EXAMPLES
•
Activating prior knowledge
•
Guided practice
•
Think-aloud structured reading
•
Repeated practice of skill decits
•
Preview/pre-teach
•
Book buddies
•
Multiple readings of text for uency
•
Writing conferences with additional support
•
Graphic and semantic organizers
•
Use of manipulatives for math instruction
•
Intentional teaching of vocabulary terms
•
Metacognitive strategy instruction
•
Concrete–Visual–Abstract (CVA) instructional sequence for math
•
Peer-assisted learning
EXAMPLE
Tier 1 includes the core
reading, writing, and
math programs that are
suitable for and intended
for the whole class.
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS FOR RTI TIERS 1, 2, AND 3
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TIER 3
Tier 3 interventions are highly individualized and intensive. They may be similar to Tier 2 interventions, but occur
at a greater frequency.
•
Provided in addition to Tier 1 and 2 instruction
•
Is the most intensive intervention in terms of
frequency and intensity
•
Needed for students who require more intensive
support and interventions than students in Tier 2
•
May be provided in a teacher-led small-group setting
of 1–3 students, a teacher-led individual setting,
or through a targeted online program
•
May include referral to special education if data
indicates Tier 3 intervention is ineffective
Meet students where they
are to close learning gaps
Discover how implementing an effective,
evidence-based RTI model can help students
achieve their greatest potential. Read our
white paper to deepen your understanding
of how RTI supports closing student learning
gaps with targeted instruction.
DOWNLOAD WHITE PAPER
EXAMPLES
•
Same as Tier 2, but with greater
intensity/frequency
•
Includes strategies to be
proactively used by the student
during Tier 1 instruction
•
Supports and resources are
provided to the student and family
for use at home and school
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS FOR RTI TIERS 1, 2, AND 3
