What is the primary goal of response to intervention (RTI) models?

The primary goal of response to intervention (RTI) models is to provide early intervention and support to all students struggling academically. RTI is a proactive approach that seeks to identify students who are at risk for academic failure and to deliver targeted interventions tailored to their specific needs. This multilevel framework generally involves several tiers of intervention, starting with high-quality instruction in the general education classroom, followed by more intensive support for those who continue to struggle.

This approach emphasizes that all students, regardless of disability status, deserve support to improve their academic outcomes. By addressing difficulties early, RTI aims to reduce the number of students who may eventually require special education services and to ensure that all students have access to necessary resources to succeed.

In contrast, identifying students with disabilities is one aspect of RTI but not its primary purpose. High-stakes testing preparation and evaluating teacher effectiveness are important educational goals, but they do not encapsulate the essence of what RTI seeks to achieve in terms of directly supporting student learning and improvement.