We're doing Response to Intervention???? Tools to assist staff in moving from tough realities to embedded practice MiBLSi Coach’s Conference March 12, 2008 Terri Metcalf Early Intervention Consultant, Ottawa Area ISD MiBLSI Coach and State Trainer ext

What is RtI policy?...the practice of providing high-quality instruction and interventions matched to student need, monitoring progress frequently to make decisions about changes in instruction or goals and applying child response data to important educational decisions. NASDSE, RtI: Policy Considerations and Implementation, 2005 (emphasis added).

Setting the stage for policy to practice issues: The Tough Stuff Adapted from presentation by Dr. David Tilly, (Heartland AEA 11, Johnston, IA) Innovations Conference 2007

What We Have Learned There are predictable components in successful RtI implementation Some of these components conflict with historical structures and practices in schools Some tough things are predictable Knowing what they are, and being ready for them is half the battle in addressing them

Presenting... Eleven “Tough Realities” for MiBLSi coaches

Tough Reality #1 RtI requires behavior change on the part of all staff We must accept student performance data as a basis for changing instruction We must have or learn the skills related to data-based decision making in instructional decision making We must match teaching to learners

Tough Reality #2 RtI requires everyone to own the results for all kids - not just in word, but in deed - whatever it takes No more “your kids” and “my kids” They’re all “our kids” We all have to accept both the successes and failures of all our kids

Tough Reality #3 We have to expand the range of instructional options (amount and intensity) available to all kids this may mean more and different instructional minutes which in turn may mean more work for the same number of staff

“We have to stop teaching the way we like to teach and start teaching the way they like to learn Wendy Robinson, 2007

Tough Reality #4 To get it done, you will have to allocate ALL of your PD Time for 2 to 3 years (maybe longer) on getting RtI going and supporting it The inservice model has to go away Must be planful Must change the way you do PD - we are looking for behavior change here!

BIG Tough Reality #5 Flexibly grouping students and providing supplemental instruction requires planning and scheduling You WILL have to change your master schedule to accommodate supplemental teaching Logistics of it all is one of the biggest hurdles you will face

Tough Reality #6 People who do not have a history of working together and collaborating will have to begin doing so Collaboration is an unnatural act for some Cannot be left to chance People need to learn the skills needed for success

Tough Reality #8, 9 and 10 Staff MUST have a deep understanding of assessment- WHYs and Hows Staff MUST have a deep understanding of Curriculum Staff MUST have a deep understanding about effective instruction

Tough Reality #11 Motivation issues- both for staff and kids. RtI is hard work. Plan for motivation problems Be proactive and celebrate/share success stories

Question: How do we effectively communicate the MiBLSi model to school staff outside of the MiBLSi leadership teams??

Tools Trouble Shooting Guide: Instructional Decision Making Phase Difficulty Possible Strategies

District leadership teams What is a district leadership team? What is their role in communicating the model to staff?

RtI Study groups District or building study groups District-wide Grade level Purpose is to increase knowledge and capacity for MiBLSi model Translate policy into embedded practice

RtI study group resources Books Websites Powerpoints Schedule Activities Policy templates

Action planning and next steps What is going well in your building/ district and what will you continue using? What new activity/strategy will you try? What new resource do you want to investigate? What do you see as “priority” to increase student achievement in your building/district? What do you need from MiBLSi to support your efforts?

Conclusion Your teams need you For this to work, you need to maintain effective MiBLSi team(s) and communicate your work to the whole staff If things are not going well, contact other coaches or the MiBSLi directors for support and ideas You are not alone!

Questions