What is an RTI?
- RTI stands for Response to Intervention
- RTI is an approach that schools use to help all students who may be struggling in school the support they need to thrive in school
- Tier 1 of RTI includes core universal classroom instruction for all students
- Tier 2 of RTI is targeted intervention for specific groups of students. This can include small group lessons with a few students 2-3 times per week.
- Tier 3 of RTI includes small group work or it can also mean individual lessons. Most kids who receive tier 3 support still spend time in the general education classroom but also may spend time one-on-one .
What is an IEP?
- IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan
- An IEP is a written statement of an educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs for ages 3-21. An IEP must have set learning goals for your child and the services that the school district will provide to the child
- The IEP progress first begins by the parents requesting an evaluation for the child to receive testing. Once the child has been evaluated and the testing results come in, the school has to determine if the child is eligible for an IEP. They must ask two questions (does your child have one or more of the 13 conditions that are covered under the special education law IDEA? and does your child need services and accommodations to succeed at school?)
- The IEP team will decide if your child qualifies for an IEP at an eligibility meeting. This meeting can include the parents, representative of the school district, social worker, general education teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists, and if appropriate the child with a disability
- If the IEP team finds that your child is eligible for an IEP, an IEP will be created to assist the child in gaining independence in the educational setting
- An IEP includes:
- Presents levels of educational performance
- Evaluation procedure and performance criteria
- Modifications and accommodations the child needs to participate in regular education class, general education curriculum or extra circular activities
- Special education and related services required by the child including transportation and vocational education programs
- Recommended instructional settings and a list of people who will work with your child to implement the IEP
- The date of services will begin and end, and the frequency of identified services
- The length of the school day/year
- Statement of accommodations and modifications needed to facilitate district wide testing
- Transition services needed
What is an IEE?
- An IEE is an independent educational evaluation
- If the parents disagree with the results of the child’s evaluation and results, the parents have a right to a private evaluation. Sometimes schools are required to pay for an IEE. If the parents do not agree with the results of the school’s evaluation, they have a right to ask for an IEE at public expense
- An IEE is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner, such as an occupational therapist, neuropsychologist, or clinical psychologist who is not employed by the school district responsible for the public education of the child
- The outside testing can include the child’s history, conversation, and observation of the child. It can include intelligence and achievement testing or information processing, memory reasoning, physical skills such as fine and gross motor, handwriting, and speech testing
- Once the child has been tested, the parents will get a written report including what tests were used, and the results of the tests. The report will include a statement about how these issues affect the child and recommendations for things that can be done to help
- The results then can be shared with the school and can provide information to help the parents and school find ways to support the child’s learning
What is an IFSP?
- IFSP stands for Individual Family Services Plan
- An IFSP includes information regarding the child’s current level of development for children ages birth to 3 with a developmental delay or who require extra help with their physical, cognitive, or social-emotional development
- The IFSP progress begins when a caregiver or healthcare care provider has concerns about a child’s development
- A formal evaluation of the child’s skills is conducted to assess their developmental milestones. This evaluation will provide insight to what areas the child needs support as well as areas of strength the child has
- A plan and goals with outcomes will then be created that reflect the desired changes for the child and family
- An IFSP can include, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, social workers, or psychological counseling
- IDEA requires that the children must receive services in a natural environment to the maximum extent possible, usually occurring in the home setting
What is a 504 Plan?
- 504 plans are formal plans that schools develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need. 504 plans are covered under the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to prevent discrimination towards students with disabilities in school
- 504 offers accommodations including:
- Changes in the environment (ex: taking tests in a quiet space/different room)
- Changes to instruction (ex: one-on-one instruction with student about key concepts)
- Changes to the curriculum and how it is presented (ex: getting typed notes written for the student)
- To receive a 504 plan, students do not need to get an evaluation like an IEP. The family can request a 504 plan through the 504 coordinator. The school will then have a meeting to decide if the child qualifies for a 504 plan. This can include looking a medical history, diagnosis, grades, and teacher recommendations
