Preservice Training in RTI

Title:  Level of Response to Intervention Training in Teacher Training Programs

Faculty Member(s):  Elizabeth Lundy, EdS, Licensed School Psychologist

Keywords: Preservice Teaching Programs, Response to Intervention, RtI

Areas: Educational Psychology

Summary:
Response to Intervention is a model is an education initiative that involves determining which students are at-risk academically. Traditionally, students struggles and were then referred for special education services. Although it has been recommended in the law and best practices, this approach has largely been ignored. One of the concerns of those in the field responsible for implementing this model is that teachers often respond that they are not trained to work with struggling, special needs students.
The questions I would like to see answered through a study of undergraduate teaching training programs are:
1)   What level of training do they have with regard to Response to
           Intervention?
2)   Are there full courses offered?
3)   Is it included only as part of another course?
4)   Is there an aspect of the program that focuses on educational assessment,
           diagnosis, progress monitoring, and intervention?
5)   At what level does the about happen, if at all?
6)   What are the state department of education requirements of, with regard to RtI,
          for teacher training program?

References:  (Click on article to review)

Broaddus, K., & Bloodgood, J.W. (1999). "We're supposed to already know how to teachreading": Teacher change to support struggling readers. Reading Research Quarterly, 34(4),426–451.

Hawkins, R.O., Kroeger, S.D., Musti-Rao, S., Barnett, D.W., & Ward, J.E. (2008). Preservice training in Response to Intervention: Learning by doing an interdisciplinary field experience. Pscyology in the Schools, 45 (8), 745-762.

Knotek, S.E. (2005). Sustaining RTI through consulttee-centered consultation. The California School Psychologist, 10, 93-104.