Meeting the Challenges of IDEA* through Response to Intervention (RtI)

Response to Intervention is a multi-tiered approach that provides services and intervention to students at increasing levels of intensity based on progress monitoring and data analysis. This approach is aimed at addressing the needs of students before they enter special education programs through specific intervention strategies to help students succeed academically.
One of the many challenges in implementing RtI approaches is determining students’ knowledge in their first language and how that reflects on their performance in their second language (English). Research has proven that transferability of skills from L1 to L2 plays an important role in the student’s ability to acquire the second language. Santillana’s unique approach to the RtI model focuses on giving schools guidance and assistance and providing students with grade-appropriate instructional programs in their native language (Spanish) and at different language proficiency levels. This is of special importance as 56% of all ELLs referred to special education programs are referred because they are perceived to have reading difficulties (U.S. Department of Education, OSEP, 2003).

Santillana’s RtI professional development opportunities provide teachers and staff with the instructional tools and strategies to effectively address the literacy needs of struggling readers and students with special needs. Santillana PD offers sessions according to the RtI tiered approach to intervention:

Tier 1 – Core Instruction with Differentiated Strategies
978-1-60396-713-6

Tier 2 – Supplemental Instruction with Strategic Support
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Tier 2 – Intensive Instruction with Discrete Interventions
978-1-60396-715-0

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), reauthorized in 2004, is a federal law that focuses on ensuring services to children with disabilities and special needs throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.