RTI vs. ET
RtI vs. ET
The North Smithfield School Department has an Evaluation Team (ET) that is available to meet on a weekly basis. School staff are strongly encouraged to use other school resources, whenever appropriate, in an attempt to address the educational needs before the student is referred to the ET.
A referral for the RtI consultation should not be confused with a referral to the ET. The RtI process should not be used to defer or delay the processing of a referral to the ET. If a teacher, parent, or other person knowledgeable about the student is not sure about whether to refer a student to the ET or RtI, the principal (or designee) or the Director for Pupil Services should be consulted.
The use of a non-special education process such as the RtI Team is an intervention process before referral to special education. The RtI Team provides collaborative support to teachers as they develop effective strategies for students experiencing learning and behavioral difficulties in the classroom. When classroom interventions have been tried and documented through the RtI process and have been proven unsuccessful, a referral may be made to the special education Evaluation Team (ET).
When the ET determines that the student’s characteristics appear to suggest the existence of a disability and a possible need for specialized services, a referral for a special education evaluation must be initiated immediately. Parents and/or referral source must be notified of the team’s determination and of procedural safeguard entitlements.
A student may not be determined eligible for special education services if any of the following primary factors are determined:
Should any of the above factors be found by the ET, the referral will cease at that point and the referral will be returned to the RtI Team for further consideration.
This process is referred to in the guide for reference purposes. The RtI process is now incorporated into general education procedures and reviewed by the ET at the time of initial referral.
The North Smithfield School Department has an Evaluation Team (ET) that is available to meet on a weekly basis. School staff are strongly encouraged to use other school resources, whenever appropriate, in an attempt to address the educational needs before the student is referred to the ET.
A referral for the RtI consultation should not be confused with a referral to the ET. The RtI process should not be used to defer or delay the processing of a referral to the ET. If a teacher, parent, or other person knowledgeable about the student is not sure about whether to refer a student to the ET or RtI, the principal (or designee) or the Director for Pupil Services should be consulted.
The use of a non-special education process such as the RtI Team is an intervention process before referral to special education. The RtI Team provides collaborative support to teachers as they develop effective strategies for students experiencing learning and behavioral difficulties in the classroom. When classroom interventions have been tried and documented through the RtI process and have been proven unsuccessful, a referral may be made to the special education Evaluation Team (ET).
When the ET determines that the student’s characteristics appear to suggest the existence of a disability and a possible need for specialized services, a referral for a special education evaluation must be initiated immediately. Parents and/or referral source must be notified of the team’s determination and of procedural safeguard entitlements.
A student may not be determined eligible for special education services if any of the following primary factors are determined:
- Student has lacked appropriate instruction in reading
- Student has lacked instruction in math
- Student is an English language learner with language acquisition difficulties
- Student has had extended absences
- Student has had repeated change of schools
- Student has had an inconsistent or inappropriate educational programming
Should any of the above factors be found by the ET, the referral will cease at that point and the referral will be returned to the RtI Team for further consideration.
This process is referred to in the guide for reference purposes. The RtI process is now incorporated into general education procedures and reviewed by the ET at the time of initial referral.
