Instructional Interventions such as RtI are employed early in school in order to identify children who are struggling and get them the help they need. RtI is a multi-tiered approach that allows teachers to intensify interventions as needed proactively before any referrals for evaluation are suggested. This as known as the pre-referral process.
 

An instructional intervention involves specific, formalized steps (as those seen in the mind map below) to address a particular need of a child. If the child continues to struggle after multiple interventions have not been successful, and the student therefore is suspected to have a disability, then the law requires that certain steps are taken to evaluate the student and to ensure that he/she is receiving the proper provisions. As part of an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services, a multidisciplinary team must determine that the student fails to achieve adequately when provided appropriate instruction by highly qualified teachers.

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In this case, the child is evaluated in an effort to answer the following questions:

• What are the child’s specific educational needs?

• Does the child have a disability that requires special education and related services?

• If so, what special education or related services are appropriate for addressing those needs?

 

After reviewing the results, the parents and teachers determine whether the child is eligible for special education services.

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If the child does indeed need these provisions, then the school has 30 calendar days to write the IEP. This is often a collaborative effort among many school professionals and parents.

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Next, an IEP meeting is established, parents have rights to early notice, to invite others who may have pertinent knowledge about the child, and to be told who will be in attendance (often admin, special education teachers, general education teachers, school psychologists, and counselors, among possible others). Parents also have the right to refuse and must give consent before any services are offered.

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After consent is given, the services are provided which may include accommodations, modifications, or other supports. Teachers, parents, and other school professionals have a copy of the IEP that they must use to guide professional decisions regarding school life.

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Progress is monitored carefully and the IEP is reviewed each year to determine its appropriateness.

 

A reevaluation of the student must occur every 3 years at a minimum or more often if deemed necessary by school or parents.

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