Response to Intervention’s goal is to meet the needs of all students at risk for failure, whether or not they qualify for a legislated program.  Response to Intervention is an individual, comprehensive, student-centered problem-solving process that can be implemented in the general education classroom.  Educators employ research-based interventions in their efforts to increase student achievement.  Response to Intervention then uses systematic monitoring of student progress to track student success.  A student’s lack of response to regular education interventions becomes the determinant of need for additional, more intense interventions.

Within each classroom, the teacher responds to the academic needs of the students.  The type and degree of each accommodation will vary to the extent necessary for the student to benefit.  In most cases, very little specialized instruction will be necessary.  For those students that need additional assistance, classroom interventions are necessary. 

In a RtI system, all students receive instruction in the core curriculum supported by strategic and intensive interventions when needed.  Therefore, all students, including those with disabilities, are found in Tiers I, II, and III.  Important features, such as universal screening, progress monitoring, fidelity of implementation and problem solving occur within each tier.