Response to Intervention Update

The Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools are committed to the continuous improvement of our schools, and are working to ensure that every student is engaged in a rigorous and student-centered learning experience that recognizes and challenges him or her.

Consistent with the District Improvement Plan (http://www.arps.org/node/1507), the District is in the process of formalizing the district’s Response to Intervention (RTI) model and implementation of a universal screening tool this year.

The graphic below represents the relationship among the essential components of RTI. Data-based decision making is the essence of good RTI practice; it is essential for the other three components: screening, progress monitoring and multi-leveled instruction. All components must be implemented using culturally responsive and evidence based practices. For more on information on RTI, please visit the National Center on Response to Intervention at http://www.rti4success.org/.

 

As we look to the month of February, Grades 2 through 6 will be administering the universal screening tool, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), in the area of mathematics. The first administration will serve as an opportunity for teachers and students to become familiar with this computer based assessment, to allow for adjustments, and to provide baseline data. Through the use of MAP, classroom teachers will be able to access real-time student data for students in their class. Teachers will be able to use this data to inform instruction at multiple-levels, target specific intervention where needed, and monitor progress. MAP and MAP for Primary Grades will be administered again in the areas of mathematics and reading, and expanded to include grades K through 8 this spring. 

The district based RTI Leadership Team, comprised of representatives from each elementary school and varying disciplines (general education, curriculum, intervention, ELE, SE, technology, etc.), is working on the articulation of the District RTI model, and to develop an action plan to guide the work.