SPY 661 Response Intervention:Part 2

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a promising approach to addressing the needs of struggling learners and has the potential to prevent learners from experiencing long term difficulties and from being inappropriately identified as learning disabled. Schools in New York State are mandated to have an RtI process in place for grades K-4 by 2012. This course is intended to help all educators develop the knowledge base needed to effectively apply this initiative. The prime areas in which this course will focus upon is 1. the assessment of behavior problems in the classroom with special emphasis on the collection of learning environment data that allow the planning of interventions.2. The assessment of system knowledge, skills, and resources with emphasis on how to effectively impact school system evolution. Students will learn direct methods of behavioral assessment for both performance and skill deficits. Emphasis will be on the integration of these assessment techniques, collaborative problem solving, systematic observation, the principles of applied behavior analysis and the psychology of learning for the purpose of intervention development. A full and comprehensive review regarding the issues surrounding the implementation of RtI policies and procedures will provide the realistic context in the provision of effective instruction within the school system. (3 credits)