What is Arizona RTI?
Four year ago the State of Arizona selected iSTEEP Learning to help
roll out RTI across the state. The plan was for the state to provide
support to districts to initiate RTI in a school or two and then expand
district wide on their own. The project was ahead of its time and has
served as a national model for other states. iSTEEP provided its
products for the Arizona RTI project including the Reading and Math
Intervention manuals, screening probes, progress monitoring probes, and
the Arizona RTI data management system. As the Arizona RTI project is
phased out and districts continue on their own, iSTEEP is committed to
continued training and support of the highly regarded RTI process in
Arizona. All products that have been available will continue to be
available. All Arizona public and Charter Schools are eligible to
participate.
iSTEEP was selected as the provider for initial roll out of RTI in
Arizona over other providers such as Aimsweb for several reasons.
First, STEEP has published research indicating the process improves
student outcomes. Other systems have
research only on their assessments. Second, it is a standard
protocol process which makes it easier to learn to conduct RTI
correctly. Third, iSTEEP had extensive experience in implementing
a comprehensive RTI process that includes a strong intervention planning
component. Fourth, iSTEEP assessments have been vetted by external
groups such as the National RTI Center and the National Center of
Student Progress Monitoring. Importantly, STEEP had published peer
reviewed data showing improved AIMS scores in Arizona.
Who Can Participate in
the Arizona RTI Process
Initially schools were selected for participation by the State of
Arizona. However, the project has concluded its 3 year start-up
period and any Arizona district can receive training, products and
support. Funding has shifted from state supported to district
supported. iSTEEP is offering markedly reduced pricing to Arizona
schools for products. Training is available from iSTEEP or Arizona
RTI coaches who have provided district support over the last 3 years.
Benefits of Arizona RTI
The model, which was developed and validated by iSTEEP offers several advantages and benefits to various
groups.
1. For teachers use of the classwide
assessment for instructional planning. For example, teachers will
learn how every child in the class if performing and use this
information to plan instruction. They know if the student problem is a
lack of skill or a lack of motivation.
2. For the school team, specific
interventions are recommended based upon a standard protocol. This
greatly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of school team
meetings. The model provides a systematic process for responding to
teacher concerns that includes quick and effective assistance to the
teacher. Team meetings are more productive and produce improved
outcomes for students.
3. Improves state test scores.
Probe scores can be benchmarked with state test scores. This
provides an early warning system for children who are likely to perform
poorly on those tests. At risk children can be placed on the
radar screen and receive targeted intervention to improve achievement.
Importantly, formative evaluation provides immediate feedback to
administrators about whether strategies are effective or ineffective.
4. STEEP has peer reviewed research
indicating reduced referrals for special education.
5. Improved achievement for all children.
The model has produced significant increases in achievement school wide with
demonstrable improvement in high stakes test scores.
Click here to
visit Arizona RTI Web Site
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