EINA (Everyone in Need of Assistance??)

It seems that many people who have commented previously work for schools that have been identified as SINA schools. (Schools in Need of Assistance) We have recently been identified as a SINA school as well, and are beginning all of the paperwork, interviewing, etc. In 2014 any school that does not have 100% proficiency will automatically be on the list. It’s basically inevitable that every school in Iowa will be a SINA school unless the law changes. First of all, I’m all about high expectations for students, but we all know that students come to us with various challenges. It is absolutely unfeasible for 100% of students to be proficient in any area and anyone in education would agree. And by saying so, that absolutely doesn't mean I don't expect the world of my students. Secondly, tell me again how all of the money spent on these interviews and paperwork (when our school is at 79% proficiency in reading, and if you ask me, isn’t too shabby) is doing anything to help the lowest 21%? This teacher will welcome some practical change.

Hurry Up and Wait

We have been moving into implementation of RTI at a “hurry up and wait” pace. Our district has pushed teachers to make changes, but we have to pull back at times because there is a lot we aren’t ready or trained for. We have some interventions in place, and even designated intervention times throughout the day by grade level, but this doesn’t always work as seamlessly as it sounds. Many of our students are pulled out for a variety of interventions or an interventionist might have two groups of students in a single grade. These issues mean that many students are still pulled out during core instruction time. Needless to say, we aren’t a perfect example of RTI, but we’re getting there.

RT........I

My school district is really pushing toward full implementation of the RTI (Response to Intervention) process. Within the last few years, we have purchased the AIMSweb program as a means to screen all students and use as a progress monitoring tool throughout interventions. What my district has struggled to do is provide teachers with appropriate interventions (especially in the area of math), interventionist, and time for teachers to provide individual and small group interventions. Is anyone else’s district implementing RTI and if so, are you having similar hiccups? How is it going for you and your district? If not, what is your knowledge of the RTI process or do you have any question?