comprehensive RTI2 process ensures instructors
don’t get so caught up in the struggles of some
students that others are neglected, and it also
provides additional challenges for kids who
would benefit.
Third- and fourth-grade students use personal data binders to track academic goals and
progress. RTI2 assessments, benchmarks, weekly
progress, graphs, and reports are all included.
So are student goals, which pupils are taught
to articulate and document themselves. Younger
students participate on a smaller scale with data
folders.
Students meet one-on-one with their teachers
every six weeks to check in on progress and
clarify objectives. Teachers have the opportunity
to make sure that goals – and planned steps
forward – are clear and reasonable.
“The student conferences with my teacher have
really helped me this year,” said fourth-grade
student Gillian Melton. “I know what she expects me to do and we make a plan to reach
the goal.”
For Ms. Cantrell, the conferences and binders
hold students accountable for their own progress, taking some pressure off the student-teacher relationship and allowing kids and educators
to work as a team. The binders make it clear to
students that progress is being made, showing
growth and demonstrating capabilities. Close
tracking of individual progress also informs Ms.
Cantrell’s instruction and ensures that she recognizes each student as an individual.
“I know the student, and the student knows that I
know them,” said Ms. Cantrell. “I know the areas
that they need to improve. I know their strengths.
I know their weaknesses. It helps me know
them at such an individual level that I’m better
equipped to help them with their weak areas.”
When report cards are sent home, they’re sent
home in the binder – all stakeholders see the
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