What does the acronym RTI stand for in the context of special education?

The acronym RTI stands for Response to Intervention. This approach is a multi-tiered framework used in educational settings to provide early and systematic assistance to students who are struggling. The primary goal of RTI is to identify students with learning difficulties as early as possible and to provide them with appropriate interventions tailored to their specific needs. This method uses data-driven decision-making to assess students' progress and effectiveness of interventions, allowing educators to adapt their teaching strategies as necessary.

In the context of special education, RTI is significant because it shifts the focus from identifying disabilities after they become apparent, to proactively addressing learning challenges and providing support at the first signs of difficulty. This approach can lead to better outcomes for students by ensuring they receive the help they need in a timely manner, which can prevent the escalation of learning issues and reduce the need for more intensive interventions later.

The other options do not accurately reflect the widely recognized use of the term RTI in special education contexts, where Response to Intervention is a foundational framework for identifying and addressing students' learning needs.