Best Practices at Tier 2 (Paperback)

Research is conclusive: response to intervention (RTI) is the best way to intervene when students struggle in school. Also known as a multitiered system of support (MTSS), the RTI process ensures every student receives the additional time and support needed for academic success. A companion to Best Practices at Tier 1, this guide provides secondary educators with fundamental principles, practices, and tools for implementing effective Tier 2 intervention strategies.

Your guide to implementing Tier 2 of response to intervention in secondary schools:

• Understand the challenges facing schools, and consider why educators need to change their thinking.
• Receive proven, practical strategies and tools for implementing Tier 2 instruction and interventions.
• Discover the foundational principles of effective educational practices.
• Identify the roles of teacher, leadership, and intervention teams, and understand why they are essential to the intervention system.
• Gain tips for determining student learning levels and how to move student learning forward.
• Review structures and schedules that build time in the school day to support students who need interventions.
• Utilize teacher teams and the 4 critical questions of the PLC at Work® framework to ensure all students master essential curriculum.

Contents:
About the Authors
Introduction
Chapter 1: Making the Case for Doing Things Differently
Chapter 2: Using Collaborative Teams for Effective Intervention
Chapter 3: Getting to Targeted and Specific Interventions
Chapter 4: Using Data to Target Tier 2 Interventions
Chapter 5: Implementing Powerful Instructional Supports
Chapter 6: Building Time in the Schedule for Additional Support
Epilogue
References and Resources
Index

Bob Sonju is an award-winning educational leader and educational consultant recognized for his energetic commitment to building effective teams, developing RTI structures that support teachers and students, and creating effective school culture committed to student learning. He is currently executive director of learning and development for Washington County School District and a former adjunct professor of education at Dixie State University in Utah. Bob was formerly the principal of nationally recognized Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and has also served as a high school administrator and special education teacher.

Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, knows firsthand the demands and rewards of working in a PLC. As a leader in the field, she emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Sharon served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois. In this position, she ensured all students were prepared to enter Adlai E. Stevenson High School, a model PLC created by Dr. Richard DuFour. A seasoned educator, Sharon has taught in elementary and middle school classrooms and served as principal, director of elementary education, and university professor.

Mike Mattos is an internationally recognized author, presenter, and practitioner who specializes in uniting teachers, administrators, and support staff to transform schools by implementing response to intervention (RTI) and PLCs. Mike co-created the RTI at Work™ model, which builds on the foundation of the PLC at Work® process by using team structures and a focus on learning, collaboration, and results to drive successful outcomes.

Austin Buffum, EdD, has more than 45 years of experience in public schools. His many roles include serving as former senior deputy superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District in California. Austin has presented in over 500 school districts throughout the country and around the world. He delivers trainings and presentations on the RTI at Work™ model. This tiered approach to RTI is centered on Professional Learning Communities at Work® concepts and strategies to ensure every student receives the time and support necessary to succeed. Austin also delivers workshops and presentations that provide the tools educators need to build and sustain PLCs.