State chief announces new Web resouces to help educators

SACRAMENTO - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today a new California Department of Education Web resource for educators called Response to Instruction and Intervention or RTI2. 

Designed as a general education approach, RTI2 is a method to close the achievement gap.

"While student test scores have steadily increased, California must still close an achievement gap that threatens the future of our diverse state," said O'Connell. 

"Too often, the struggles of the African American student, the English learner, and the learning disabled student were hidden by overall school achievement gains. RTI2 offers educators no- or low-cost strategies, especially needed in these dire economic times, to improve education for these and all students."

Response to Instruction and Intervention encompasses high-quality instruction, early intervention, and prevention and behavioral strategies.

By using culturally relevant, research-based instruction, continuous assessments of student learning, and increased parental involvement, RTI2 aims to catch students before their educational problems grow and they need more intensive instruction.

A successful RTI2 program integrates resources from general education, categorical programs, and special education into a comprehensive system of instruction and intervention that suits the needs of the students.

Thus, the focus is on the individual student and what will best help him or her learn. Strong leadership and resources from the school, district, and community must be harnessed to make this an effective instructional method.

More information on the philosophy, core components, and external resources are available on the RTI2 Web pages at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/ri/index.asp