What is a key characteristic of Response to Intervention (RTI)?

Emphasis on differentiated instruction is a key characteristic of Response to Intervention (RTI) because RTI aims to meet the diverse needs of all students through tailored instructional strategies. In this framework, teachers assess students' progress in real-time and adjust their teaching methods and interventions accordingly. This responsiveness ensures that each learner receives the support necessary to succeed, thereby allowing for flexibility in instruction based on individual student needs.

Differentiated instruction within RTI can involve varying the content, process, and product of learning based on students’ readiness, interests, and learning profiles. By monitoring students’ responses to these differentiated strategies, educators can provide additional support or enrichment as required, which aligns with the fundamental purpose of RTI—preventing academic difficulties before they occur.

Focusing solely on standardized testing does not capture the essence of RTI, which values ongoing assessment and responsive teaching rather than fixed evaluation methods. Providing intervention only after failure contrasts with the proactive nature of RTI, which seeks to identify and address learning challenges early on. Additionally, RTI is designed to support all learners, not just gifted students, making its approach inclusive and focused on the needs of the entire classroom.