A new program may make a world of difference to students at LCES.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-level approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior problems.

According to Jane Pederson, a school psychologist who conducted a two-day RTI workshop at LCES last week, "RTI is the process through which we will try to provide students with intervention as they go instead of waiting for them to fail. It's all about being pro-active and stopping problems with academics before they become obstacles.

"With RTI, we collect data about students throughout the year — the focus is on reading and math skills. To obtain the data we need, we use direct observation as well as testing."

She noted that the assessments take a maximum of four minutes per student.

Pederson went on to point out that LCES is doing a good job in planning to implement RTI. "The school is right on track."

The shift to RTI is being made in conjunction with the federal "No Child Left Behind" Act. LCES is serving as the "pilot school" for RTI in Lincoln County.

The levels or tiers of the new program, which increase in the intensity of intervention, are as follows:

.. Tier 1 — Standards-Based Classroom Learning: Students receive the regular curriculum and individual learning strategies as required by the LCHS RTI.

This tier includes:

(1) The implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) through research-based practices.

(2) The use of flexible groups for the differentiation of instruction, giving students the learning strategies they need.

(3) The universal screening of students in grades K-5, identifying students in the 20th percentile and below in math and reading.

(4) Frequent progress monitoring. Students are screened in the fall, winter, and spring. Those in other tiers will be assessed more frequently.

The teachers are responsible for the assessments and interventions.

An administrator or teacher will then determine whether Tier 2 placement is needed.

.. Tier 2 — Targeted Instruction, Learning, and Standard Intervention Protocols: Targeted students will receive extra instruction and individual learning strategies as required by the LCES RTI.

The children in this tier, which is generally comprised of from 15 to 20 percent of the students identified in Tier 1, will receive supplemental instruction for 25 minutes each day. They will also benefit from vision and hearing screenings.

Students not meeting the Tier 2 goals are referred to the RTI Team which, in turn, determines Tier 3 placement.

.. Tier 3 — Student Support Team (SST)-Driven Instruction and Learning: Students receive more intense, individualized instruction as recommended by the RTI Team.

They likewise continue to receive Tier 1 and Tier 2 support in addition to supplemental instruction for 45 minutes.

In a departure from the past, only students placed in Tier 3 will receive SST support — SST services have been incorporated into RTI.

The RTI Team will review the Tier 3 Intervention Record to determine Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, or Tier 4 placement.

.. Tier 4 — Specially Designed Instruction and Learning: Determination of eligibility for special education.

At this point, students are tested for special services placement.

Since students are not tested for special education until Tier 4, the ultimate outcome will be a decrease in the number of students in special education. The interventions implemented in the other tiers can help keep them out of special ed.

In her comments, Principal Marilyn Bell said, "These are research-based interventions, having had a measur- able amount of success in other academic environments.

"Our teachers have put in countless hours to make sure children in Lincoln County have the best learning experiences possible. Our ultimate goal is to make our students life-long learners."

According to Christie Mattison, assistant principal at LCES and RTI coordinator, "RTI represents a major change in the way we do things. It also reflects our commitment to providing excellent educational services to all students.

Those with questions about the RTI initiative should call LCES at 706- 359-3449.

In addition, the RTI protocol is posted on the following website: www.lincolncountyschools.org.