Project FOCUS!

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

Response to Intervention (RTI) is currently used for prevention, and in some cases for learning disabilities identification purposes in all 50 states. Further research is needed to help schools “FOCUS” on a key set of malleable variables (those that can be changed by the school) that are associated with outcomes for students in Tier 3 or in special education with reading disabilities. Our aim is to look more closely at factors related to challenges faced by schools in relation to RTI Implementation and Teachers’ Knowledge of RTI Implementation.

This study involves data collection across multiple sites in multiple states through a partnership with the National Center for Leadership in Intensive Intervention (NCLII). The schools selected for participation represent a variety of RTI models and a variety of geographic and socioeconomic locations to represent a range of school risk.

PARTNER SCHOOL SELECTION

Schools are selected based on three initial selection criteria:

  1. They are a public or charter school implementing RTI in grades K-5
  2. They collect reading outcome data using DIBELS, FAST, AimsWeb, MAP, iStation, STAR and/or Oral Reading Fluency (ORF)
  3. They are willing to identify 2 students per grades 1-5 who are receiving Tier 3, special education and/or dyslexia services (parent consent will be obtained before participation)

Once selected, schools will be contacted by a research staff member to discuss the details of the study and answer questions. If the school is still interested in participating, we will work with you to develop a timeline for research review and authorization (if applicable) and data collection.

DATA COLLECTION

Two Participation Levels:

CORE

  1. An interview with your principal and/or RTI Specialist (2 hours)
  2. Teachers and administrators complete an anonymous online RTI knowledge survey (20 minutes)
  3. Access to anonymous data that includes demographics, reading outcome data, and any other relevant school-administered standardized testing.

ADVANCED

In addition to Core responsibilities:

  1. Observations of 2 students receiving Tier 3 reading instruction, special education and/or dyslexia services at each grade level for grades 1-5 (2 observations per student)

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Once all data is collected, Partner Schools:

  • Receive a $500 or $1,000 participation stipend (depending on level of participation)
  • Participate in an optional debrief of findings relative to your school with your staff and our lead researchers
  • Gain access to study results that can be used for professional development, goal setting and developing an RTI baseline to track progress
  • Are invited to participate in professional development forums related to RTI implementation and special education/dyslexia services.