RTI Implementation: Identifying the Barriers and Best Practices

Although the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) was re-authorized in 2004 and permitted the use of RTI as part of the eligibility process, few states and districts have begun to implement it appropriately, let alone assess and ameliorate RTI processes effectively. RTI is basically a problem-solving process. As students move higher up the tiers, instruction and behavioral management techniques are tailored to suit their needs. The effective educator seeks appropriate instruction for all students. Effective RTI practices could remediate at-risk students\u27 difficulties, increase student scores on accountability tests, and improve identification of student with disabilities (SWD) Educators are responsible for ensuring that students are prepared for their lives within society. RTI could be one piece of the puzzle that helps students realize these goals. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine educator\u27s perceptions of the barriers to and best practices of the implementation of RTI in one urban Georgia school district