Week 4: RTI Model vs. Traditional Method

Last week, we talked about traditional and RTI approaches. As we did that, we could compare their differences. For the traditional way, teachers just have special programs and methods if students are unable to succeed with curriculum. Teachers also just deal with the same instructional approach and randomly check the students’ outcomes. Because teachers not very often collect and consider students’ data, teachers are hard to find out the students’ problems. As well as that, teachers gather the students’ information in isolation way and only the special education teacher take responsibility and care about it.

         On the other hand, Response to Instruction has some better instructional approaches for the teacher. When children meet with unsuccessful curriculum, teacher review the students’ data that teachers have been observing and collecting. With the information, teachers can re-create or change their instructional practices. Unlike traditional methods, teachers identify, support, and develop the instruction based on individual student needs. Also, the students who have challenges will be checked and considered by weekly or biweekly. When teachers need to decide or have some help, they get together and share their opinion. As they share their concerns or thoughts, they can hear other experiences that they have not met yet. Besides that, every teacher has responsibilities for the students and they absolutely want to help other teachers.

         To conclude, I think RTI is a much better model than the traditional model. As a future early educator, I should learn about RTI and be interested in it. When I look at the things about RTI, I think teachers have more work to do with their instructional practices with RTI; however, it will be a better idea and lead a better outcome as using it. I especially liked sharing other teachers’ thoughts and experiences. For example, even though I am a college student, I learn a lot of things from my colleagues and it helps me to think another ways or new approaches. I believe everyone’s experiences are special and have a lot of meanings. So giving some ideas based on their experiences will be great for developing other teachers’ instructional practices.