Question

Compare the use of RTI as a method for identifying learning disabilities to at least one other method, such as the ability achievement discrepancy model. Identify which method you prefer, and explain why. Finally, briefly explain how RTI can be used as a method for preventing learning challenges in students who are at risk.

Answer 1

The RTI refers to Response to intervention is an approach to provide remedial intervention and identify the children who may require special teachings. It also helps in identifying the learning disability in children at an earlier stage to get more timely and effective support.

The RTI approach is even used to distinguish between those who do not suffer from learning disabilities but perform poorly due to other factors like inadequate prior instruction and the children who are suffering from learning liabilities (LD). The children suffering from LD are identified so that they can get specialized instructions.
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is of the opinion that early identification and intervention reduce disabilities of the students suffering from reading difficulty by 70%.
The RTI approach is the three-tier approach firstly the students are screened by the school personals for literacy skills, academics, and behavior. The teacher applies different approaches and the student's continuous progress is monitored if the LD is noticed the students get differentiated instruction based on the ongoing assessment.
In the second stage if the students are found to be lagging behind from their colleagues they are given specialized instruction with specific kinds of skills he requires.
On the third level, the comprehensive assessment is conducted by the multidisciplinary team to determine what type of educational and different services are needed by the student. The parents are informed about the assessment of the child and their consent is taken to refer the child for specialized education by following the IDEA 2004 mandates.
RTI helps in identifying the LD children and provide special training at the beginning itself. It has the element to reduce wait to fail situation because the children are identified at the earliest stage of schooling.
The achievement discrepancy model is based on the difference in the Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and the child's achievements, it is possible that child IQ is good but his achievement is not at par with his IQ. If the students' IQ score is 30 points above the reading ability the students are supposed to be having a reading disability.
There are major three discrepancies with achievement discrepancy model 1. The students have to wait longer before identified as suffering from reading disability. As a result, they do not get the support that is needed during earlier stages. 2. The IQ score and the achievement do not specifically identify each student's needs because the classroom instruction does not provide information on whether classroom instructions were meeting the students learning needs or not.3. There can be many factors that can influence IQ scores like environment, language, and cultural differences in which the test was conducted.
Comparing the RTI and achievement discrepancy model the RTI model is better because it provides an opportunity to help the student overcome his learning disability at the earlier stage of schooling.
The students at risk are those students who have high chances of dropping out of school or fail in their academic careers.
If these students' disabilities are focused and identify at the beginning of the schooling it provides an opportunity for intervention and by providing them the intense and specialized method of teaching their grasping power can be improved.
The students whose learning disabilities are identified can be referred to get specialized education and related services so that they can be successful.