Educating & Involving Parents in the Response to Intervention Process: An Article Review

Byrd, E. (2011). Educating and Involving Parents in the Response to Intervention Process. Teaching Exceptional Children, 43(3), 32-39. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

This article precisely defines what response to intervention (RTI) is and how parents are involved in the process. First of all, it tells that RTI is a multitiered system for struggling learners that provides increasingly intense levels of academic interventions and assessment. There are 3 tiers of intervention in RTI. The first is a research based instructional core program for all students. Tier 2 is composed of focused, small-group interventions. Tier 3 includes individualized intensive interventions. The article discusses 3 reasons that the school should educate/involve parents in the RTI process: First, because RTI is complicated and can be difficult to understand. The second reason is because a referral to special education can be an outcome of the RTI process. Last, is that research shows that when schools work to involve parents, outcomes are positive for students and parents. Several RTI terms are explained in the article including core curriculum, intensive intervention, problem solving, screening, standard protocol intervention, and tiered instruction. Strategies to educate parents about RTI were given, which included thinking and planning for the long term, how to get started, recruiting parent leadaers and developing a support group, and developing information about RTI. Several organizations were identified that could be helpful for parents and teachers concerning RTI.

·         RTI is a multitiered system for struggling learners that provides increasingly intense levels of academic interventions and assessment

·         There are 3 tiers of intervention in RTI

·         Parents should be involved in the RTI process

·         Important terms related to RTI: Core curriculum, intensive intervention, problem solving, screening, standard protocol intervention, and tiered instruction

·         Strategies to educate parents about RTI

·         Organizations that could be helpful for parents and teachers concerning RTI

·         Example of a parent connection checklist

I learned a lot from the article and found it to be very informative. I was unsure before reading the article of parents’ role in the RTI process. Now, it is clear to me how they should be involved and what I can do as a RTI teacher to insure I am helping them assist their children in the best way at home. I found the article to also be very informative even for people that didn’t know what RTI was. After reading the article they would have a clear understanding and be able to grasp the importance of the program. The box that included key terms helped clear up some words for me that are tossed around casually in the RTI department, that I have never quite understood.