The Change Up!

Here we go... I'm throwing a change up into the mix! While doing my research on how schools determine what RtI model to use, I stumbled across a the RtI Networks website, which listed the 11 Common Myths about RtI. I was so intrigued by these myths that I thought I would share some them in hopes that you will be just as enlightened as I now feel after learning the truth! 

Since everyone is capable of reading this article on your own, I am going to give a brief summary of the truths that I felt were most eye-opening for me. Lets get started! 

Myth #1: 

The various state and local provisions for general education interventions, such as instructional support teams and school-based problem solving teams, legally qualify as RTI.

Truth... Any other forms of general education interventions do not qualify as RtI interventions, they are simply precursors to RtI interventions. Interventions must fall into the four distinguishing characteristics of the RtI model (click here to see the four characteristics).  (**Be sure to look under 11 Myths #1). 

I think this is a huge myth that is believed to be a truth many schools across the states. I have been in a number of schools in both Hawaii and Colorado that when asked if they are using RtI, they say yes and list the collaborative teams and that's where the conversation generally ends. 

Myth #2: 

The IDEA provides specific requirements for RTI, such as the number of tiers and the duration of the intervention at each tier.

Truth... IDEA's intent was to avoid setting boundaries on one specific model, this thought process also falls into the duration of interventions. Each state can determine either "permissive or mandatory" guidelines for RtI. 

I was under the impression that the RtI model varied from state to state, but had a similar model across the board. This was really helpful information for me, personally! 

Myth#3: The IDEA provides for the use of RTI beyond identification of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD).

Truth...  "A careful review of the IDEA legislation and regulations clearly reveals that the only reference to and recognition of the use of 'a process that determines if the child responds to scientific, research-based intervention' (i.e., RTI) is limited to the identification of students with SLD" (20 U.S.C. § 1414[b][6][B]; 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.307, 300.309, and 300.311). 

Myth #4: The IDEA requires the use of RTI. 

Truth... It is up to each local school district and/or agency. 

I was under the impression that RtI was a state mandated program... this is good to know and explains why each schools use, or lack there of, of RtI is so different. 

As stated above, there are 11 myths that the RtI Network busts and I only touched on the first four! The website reviews all 11 myths, all of which are very informative. After learning about the busted myths, I feel like I have more clarity on the legality of RtI and its implementation. 

Do you feel as though you have more clarity? Did any of these busted myths change your view of RtI's implementation?