Cost Considerations for RTI Strategies: An overview of RTI and the financial implications of providing multi-tiered systems of supports.

This article provides an overview of Response to Intervention (RTI) and its financial implications in providing support for students with disabilities. It discusses the legal dimensions of RTI under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and its use as part of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The article highlights four key cost considerations in implementing RTI, including screening and progress monitoring, high-quality instruction, intensifying instruction, and special education eligibility and programming. The goal of RTI is to provide academic support to all students, reduce the need for costly special education services, and ensure valid identification of students with special needs. The text also discusses the challenges and considerations involved in implementing an MTSS, suggesting that education leaders address issues such as additional expenditures for staff and professional development, as well as providing information sessions for parents of children with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of aligning policies with best practices and staying up-to-date with state and federal regulations. While the effectiveness of RTI is still uncertain, the text suggests that finding a balance between financial support for interventions and overall education funding is important. [Extracted from the article]