Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Response to Intervention (RtI) Initiative (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Initiative: The Response to Intervention (RtI) initiative is mandated by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for all students in the state of Florida. RtI is the practice of: 1) providing high quality instruction and interventions that are matched to student needs, 2) monitoring progress frequently, and 3) analyzing student response to intervention to make important educational decisions. RtI can be applied to increase the academic and social/emotional growth of all students. In Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), seven RtI facilitators are collaborating with district leaders and are also providing direct support and training to seven model schools. The RtI facilitators will also provide training to remaining district schools over the next two years.

Goals:

  • To strategically and cooperatively analyze problems to develop effective interventions which can be monitored over time.
  • To address all students’ academic and behavioral needs in proactive manner.
  • To identify and implement research supported strategies that work for students.
  • To support student success in all academic environments.
  • Targeted Population: All K-12 students

    Timeline: RtI will be undertaken in HCPS by utilizing an initial two year training plan and providing ongoing support during and subsequent to the initial two year training period. During the first year, the focus will be on: 1) information dissemination regarding the basic tenets of RtI, 2) districtwide training for all schools, and 3) weekly support to the model school in each of the seven areas. During the second year, the focus will be on: 1) trainings for school personnel who did not receive training during year one, 2) ongoing support to schools in each area regarding implementation, and 3) developing ongoing professional development support for implementation sustainability (e.g., training new teachers, etc.). It is anticipated that continued district level support for the RtI initiative will be needed subsequent to the formalized two year plan in order to ensure full implementation at all schools.

    Continued on attachment.

    ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

    * Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

    FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

    EVALUATION

    SUBMITTED BY: Tracy Schatzberg, Ed.D., Supervisor, Psychological Services

    Gwen Luney, Assistant Superintendent
    Student Services and Federal Programs
    (813) 272-4879
    Wynne A. Tye, Assistant Superintendent
    Curriculum and Instruction
    (813) 272-4221
    B 01
    Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100112_390 * Section B Item# 01