If every student learned at the same rate and through the same instructional methods, teaching would still not be easy. It gets very complicated when students struggle in a classroom full of kids with multiple learning styles. To make instruction more simple for struggling learners, Response to Intervention is key.
Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. Basically, it allows educators to identify students' strengths and weaknesses. Once those strengths and weaknesses are identified, educators can provide targeted instruction on focus skills to help students improve their skills in deficit areas. This instruction takes place in small groups and in individualized instruction. Students who are stronger in their skills have the opportunity to dig deeper and enrich their knowledge and skills in the same subject area.
With the 1:30 dismissal this year, it has been difficult to find time for proper RtI instruction. That all changed today as we extended the day to 2:15. This extra 45 minutes in the day has allowed us to get back to a more robust RtI program in our day. This will benefit students greatly as they receive the targeted instruction they need. It will be exciting to see the gains that our students make as they benefit from the extension of the school day.
Thank you parents and thank you community for trusting DeSoto Grade School to take good care of your children every day!