Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)

The tiered approach in both Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a structured system designed to provide early and systematic assistance to students who demonstrate difficulty in academic and behavioral areas. Here's a breakdown of how these tiered approaches generally function:

Tier 1: Universal Interventions

• RTI and PBIS: This tier involves general interventions that apply to all students in a school setting to promote successful learning outcomes and positive behaviors.

• Implementation: Standardized curriculum, teaching methods, and behavioral expectations are established to support the needs of the majority of students.

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions

• RTI: Focuses on students who need more support than what is offered in Tier 1. Interventions are more targeted and may include small group sessions for specific academic skills.

• PBIS: Similar to RTI, this tier addresses students who exhibit minor but recurrent behavioral problems. Interventions might involve group behavior interventions, such as social skills training or increased adult supervision.

• Implementation: Both RTI and PBIS utilize regular monitoring and assessments to adjust strategies as needed to improve student performance and behavior.

Tier 3: Intensive Interventions

• RTI: Targets students who have not responded adequately to interventions in the first two tiers. This level involves individualized and intensive interventions that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the student.

• PBIS: Applies to students who demonstrate significant behavioral issues that require personalized and comprehensive intervention plans, often including the collaboration of external specialists.

• Implementation: Interventions are highly specific and continuously monitored for effectiveness, with adjustments made as necessary.

Both RTI and PBIS aim to intervene early and adapt their approaches based on the progress of each student, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed academically and behaviorally.