Education Commons^™

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Impact Of Iready On Student Reading Achievement For Students In Response To Intervention, Althia Gates

Dissertations

This qualitative case study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of the impact of i-Ready on student reading achievement for students in Response to Intervention (RTI). In this qualitative case study, participants were given an opportunity to voice their point of view and perceptions of the impact of i-Ready, including the benefits and barriers they experience when implementing i-Ready as an intervention tool for struggling readers. The need to hear teacher voices and perspectives on an RTI intervention tool is essential to providing students with the best learning experience and growth results. The study included five elementary teachers who implement i-Ready …

Recommendations For Solving The Problem Of Low Sixth-Grade Comprehension Proficiency Scores At Hermitage Middle School In Hermitage, Missouri, Shannon Beers

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations to solve the problem of sixth-grade below-proficient reading comprehension scores at Hermitage Middle School in Hermitage, Missouri. The problem was that 60% of the sixth-grade students at Hermitage Middle School could not comprehend grade-level text. The rationale for this research was that it is vital to ameliorate the reading comprehension scores of students since improvements may lead to greater grade-level and post-secondary readiness and an increase in school reputation, accreditation, and enrollment. The central research was, How can the problem of sixth-grade below-proficient reading comprehension be solved at Hermitage Middle School …

Equity Lens: Teachers’ Beliefs Of Culturally Responsive Teaching, Reading Instructional Practices, And Rti Tier 1 Practices In A High-Poverty School District, Catherine Cueva

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher self-efficacy has been shown to impact student’s achievement. This study examined teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs as it related to their ability to implement culturally responsive teaching and reading instructional practices as part of Response to Intervention Tier 1 practices in a high-poverty school district. The belief scores of 99 elementary school teachers were examined across one high-poverty school district in the northeast. The non-experimental study used a self-efficacy survey adapted from four surveys to determine teachers’ confidence in their ability to implement culturally responsive teaching, reading instructional practice, and RtI Tier 1 practices. The researcher also examined teachers’ general beliefs …

Triumph Through Tragedy, One Student At At Time, Chanel M. Schwenck

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The EF-4 tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky on the evening of December 10, 2021 caused tremendous destruction to the entire community of Mayfield. Two education professors at a neighboring university sought to help students in the Mayfield Independent School District and were able to do so via funding from a KEEP mini-grant. 81 of their college students were trained in Response to Intervention (RtI) practices and provided individual and small group instruction to students in Mayfield for 2 hours a week for 17 weeks during the 2022-2023 school year. Altogether, struggling students in Mayfield received 1,377 hours of RtI instruction …

Determining Relationships Between Multi-Tiered System Of Supports To Educators' Beliefs And Perceptions, Debra Ann Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators perceive their Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) skills and their school’s MTSS implementation; and to what extent their beliefs about MTSS predict their willingness to implement MTSS. Theory of planned behavior was used to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between implementation of MTSS to educators’ beliefs and perceptions. A predictive correlation research design was used to address the research question posed in this study. The participants for the study were drawn utilizing a convenience sample from the population of rural elementary educators that consisted of general education teachers, …

Effective Teaching Practices For Phonemic Awareness And Phonics In Small Group Reading Instruction, Caitlin Sullivan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Sullivan, C. (2023) Effective teaching practices for phonemic awareness and phonics in small group reading instruction. This paper is the documentation of an educational coach’s journey to find the most effective small group instructional practices for teaching phonemic awareness and phonics to kindergarten and first grade students. The need to share this research led to the development of four professional development sessions for effective instruction of phonemic awareness and phonics instruction specifically created for teachers of kindergarten and first grade students. The Capstone project began by answering the question, How do kindergarten-first grade teachers use best practices in phonemic awareness …

Program Evaluation Of Improving Reading Outcomes Using Evidence-Based Instruction Through Response To Intervention, Johnny Walker

Education Theses and Dissertations

This research leverages improvement science principles and rigorous scholarly design-based implementation research to delve into the efficacy of reading interventions for secondary students, a previously underexplored domain. The first iteration of this study critically assessed the present state of RtI practices within a rural East Texas school, while the subsequent iteration was an evaluative exploration of implementing a phonics-based reading intervention. The second iteration investigates the impact of the Reading Horizons Elevate (RHE) intervention program on reading outcomes of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students within a turnaround middle school in East Texas. This study focuses on the relevance of design-based …

The Effects Of Rti And Computer-Based Programs On Addressing Literacy Acquisition Skills, Amanda Page Mccall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, control group design study was to investigate the effects of Response to Intervention (RtI) and computer-based programs on addressing literacy acquisition skills. This study is important because there is an inordinate number of students who are designated as requiring special education services due to a lack of reading achievement. This study is significant because the success of student achievement, and promotion from one grade to the next, hinges on students’ reading ability. This study sample was drawn from 55 first and 55 second-grade students from a Title One school in the upper state …

Policy Brief: Exploring Response To Intervention’S Effectiveness With Students Of Color, Camille S. Talbert

Journal of Multicultural Affairs

This policy analysis explores the effectiveness of Response to Intervention (RTI) at diminishing racial disproportionalities in special education. It includes a brief review of the legislative context of RTI. It also examines one contributing factor to the effectiveness of RTI—educator ideologies. The analysis concludes with implications and future policy directions.

The Role And Effectiveness Of Response To Intervention To Improve Elementary Students’ Reading Skills And Abilities, Natalie M. Weber

Education Theses and Dissertations

Elementary students at a local elementary school were having reading difficulties and demonstrated a decreased performance on intervention measures, formal and summative assessments. Success in reading is imperative because students must read the content throughout their educational career and students must read the content on state assessments. Students’ success on state assessments determines placement of future intervention groupings in the next grade level, eligibility in extra-curricular activities and ultimately eligibility for high school graduation. The purpose of this evaluation study was to evaluate a pre-existing program to examine whether the implementation and use of Response to Intervention (RTI) was effective …

A Study Of The Implementation Of Multi-Tiered System Of Supports In One School, Ranya Elhady

Dissertations

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is designed to help schools identify struggling students. This study aimed to determine the perception of MTSS through the lens of kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers and teacher leaders who participate in the school-wide MTSS process. The context of this inquiry was one elementary school in a large urban district where teachers had implemented MTSS for several years. I used a mixed methods research design. A survey of classroom teachers with Likert scale items and open-ended questions and data from a focus group interview of teacher leaders provided quantitative and qualitative data. I found a disconnect …

The Relationship Between The Implementation Of Response To Intervention And Students’ Achievement On Eighth Grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, Ann Marie Rooney

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to determine if there is a relationship between the implementation phase of Response to Intervention (RTI), an academic multi-tiered system of support, and eighth grade students’ mathematics, reading, and science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) proficiency achievement. Data for this study were collected using a RTI phase survey sent via Qualtrics to Minnesota middle school principals and publicly accessible MCA proficiency data via the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website. The researcher analyzed data using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS). Each principal’s survey response was aligned with the school’s eighth grade …

A Case Study Of Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Response To Intervention In Special Education Referrals, Heather Abney Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students identified as at-risk are overrepresented in special education due to specific learning disability referrals and placement. The problem is that elementary teachers’ perceptions of Response to Intervention (RTI) in special education referrals need to be examined due to excessive special education referrals due to lack of individualized instruction and formative data to assess how well the RTI model is implemented. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine elementary teachers’ perceptions regarding the implementation of RTI and the influence of the model on appropriate student referrals for special education services. The conceptual framework for this qualitative project study …

Understanding The Effects Of Collaborative Rti Practices On Student Outcomes, Sarah Baker

Education Theses

Response to intervention (RTI) has been a methodology used with special needs students since 2004; however, RTI can be used in all types of classrooms including speech-language pathology classrooms. RTI is considered a beneficial framework for speech therapy classrooms when implemented correctly. Based on the research found, RTI is most successful when implemented using collaborative practices among school staff, parents, and other teachers. Overall, the implications discuss the value of properly educating teachers on RTI and facilitating strategies for collaborative practices between school staff and families. These implications result in successful student outcomes for speech-language pathology students.

Is There A Disproportionate Representation Of African American Males In Special Education? A Causal-Comparative Investigation, Kiena S. Hughley, Karen H. Larwin

Journal of Organizational & Educational Leadership

African American male students are disproportionately represented in special education. The purpose of the current study is to examine the disproportionality of African American male students who are referred to special education programs and are identified special education services, specifically in the areas of Emotional Disturbance (ED), Specific Learning Disability (SLD), and other low incidence disabilities (OTH), which includes Speech & Language Instruction, Other Health Impaired, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injury, in Northeast Ohio’s suburban school district for the 2017-2020 school year. The sample was drawn from a suburban school district in Northeast Ohio which consisted of six schools. Findings …

Response To Intervention And Teachers' Perceptions: A Causal Comparative Study, Misty Howington Cox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to assess the perceptions of teachers regarding the Response to Intervention (RTI) initiative and its implementation. Specifically, the researcher was trying to determine (a) if there is a significant difference between the perceptions of general education teachers and those of special education teachers regarding RTI, (b) if there is a significant difference between the perceptions of teachers in the elementary school setting and teachers in the middle school setting, and (c) if there is a significant difference between the perceptions of teachers based on their years of teaching experience. The Bailey-Tarver Survey …

Response To Intervention 2 Easycbm And Aimsweb Intervention Programs How They Relate To Student Growth, George T. Hopson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This researcher aimed to determine how data collected from computer-based assessment programs, specifically EasyCBM and AIMSweb, was used in data-driven instruction and used to identify risk levels in math and reading areas proficiency. Data from intervention programs were collected from six participating high schools. The data collection included math and reading universal screening scores and levels of risk indicators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of their response to intervention (RTI) programs. Section A included math data within a baseline score and a risk indicator level. Section B had reading scores with a baseline score and a risk indicator …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Response-To-Intervention Reading Strategies In Middle Schools, Judy Bernadette Collins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As students enter middle school, many lack literacy skills, especially English language learners (ELLs). The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine what supports middle school teachers perceived they needed to be effective using response to intervention (RTI) strategies with ELLs. This basic qualitative study was framed by the RTI framework as described in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act and by Hall and Hord’s concerns-based adoption model. Interviews were conducted with eight teachers with a minimum of 3 years of service who used RTI practices in their classrooms in middle schools in school districts from the Northeast …

Impact Of Tier 2 Intervention Program On Student Achievement And Self-Efficacy, Barbara L. Georges

Dissertations

To address the challenges of drop-out rate and achievement gap, high schools have begun to implement intervention programs. Schools bear responsibility in addressing factors such as poor academic performance, lack of course credit, and low motivation to encourage post-secondary success. Intervention programs show promise in mitigating these factors despite variation due to lack of state or federal requirements. The most common frameworks used to address the skill gaps and deficiencies that prevent graduation are Response to Intervention (RtI) or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of academic interventions on student achievement …

Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support And School Leadership In High-Achieving Pennsylvania Schoolwide Title 1 Elementary Schools, Malinda Jane Mikesell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This explanatory case study illustrates how some Pennsylvania Schoolwide Title 1 elementary schools are thriving on state assessments while others are unable to achieve this success. The study was limited to this population of elementary schools to focus on how and why some schools with high percentages of students who receive free and reduced lunch are achieving excellent student achievement. First, the differences between Schoolwide Title 1 schools’ achievement on the Pennsylvania state assessments were categorized. Then Schoolwide Title 1 elementary schools with the highest percentages of students with low socioeconomic status (SES), who still achieved proficient school performance …

The Effect Of Computer-Assisted Intervention Programs On Mathematics Achievement Of High School Students In A Virtual School, Brandi Rachelle Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The United States ranks in the middle of the nations participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment, and secondary education has not seen growth in mathematics achievement since the 1970s. Computer-assisted math education offers a new opportunity to increase mathematical achievement with students. Pearson Education’s MyMathLab has shown promise at the higher education level with enhancing student proficiency in concepts. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of Math XL, the secondary counterpart to MyMathLab, could increase mathematics achievement, measured by the performance on the end-of-course test for Algebra I and Geometry for high school …

Efficacy Of Response To Intervention For Students Struggling With Reading, Emily J. Warburton

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Response to intervention (RTI) has increased in popularity in schools recently as a means of helping students according to their responsiveness to 3 different tiers of intervention: general classroom instruction, small group instruction, and individual instruction. Using a PsychInfo search, we examined articles to determine the how well the current RTI model fulfills its intended purpose in providing remedial reading instruction to struggling children, teacher perceptions of the system, and what changes could improve the model in coming years. For elementary aged students, we found that RTI has helped students achieve grade-level benchmarks. For secondary school students, there is much …

Response To Intervention And Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support In Maine Schools: Portraits Of Promising Practices, Kathryn Hawes, Amy F. Johnson, Angela Atkinson Duina

Maine Education Policy Research Institute

In response to requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Maine enacted a rule requiring all schools to have a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) in place by 2012 for a general education, pre-referral system of student support. The purpose of this system, generally termed Response to Intervention (RtI) by many practitioners, was to increase student achievement and decrease the growing number of students referred for special education services. It was anticipated that the system would also reduce overall costs for student support by providing early interventions. The Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) was asked by …

Identifying The Best Practices For The Twice Exceptional Learner, Edison Boelter

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to find the best research-based practices available for the twice exceptional learner. Twice exceptional learners are a growing percentage of the population in the academic community, and yet educators are greatly unprepared to work with these students. Through literary reviewed studies and research, it became possible to identify useful information as to how to educate and prepare teachers to work with twice exceptional learners. These literature reviewed studies and research demonstrated that twice exceptional students need a person-centered approach that is also able to meet their unique social and emotional needs. These literature reviewed …

Effectiveness Of Response To Intervention In Third Grade Reading Outcomes, Amanda Wentz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Reading continues to be a struggle for many students beyond primary ages. Response to Intervention (RTI) is a common approach in practice to improve reading outcomes, but it has not been researched with all populations. Studies on 3rd grade struggling readers are needed to ensure they receive appropriate support to become more successful readers. The theoretical foundations for this quantitative study included Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The research questions examined whether participating in RTI had a significant influence on 3rd grade students’ reading outcomes from the beginning compared to the end of the school year. …

Secondary Teachers' Perceptions Of The Implementation Of Response To Intervention, Patricia Denise Hampton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers at a local high school in Alabama were struggling to implement the tiered interventions of the response to intervention (RTI) model. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore teachers' perceptions of the implementation of RTI at one high school to help teachers and administrators understand what professional development training, supports, and resources were needed to implement the model effectively. The concerns-based adoption model, which examines educators' concerns with new educational innovations, framed the study. The study's research questions focused on the teachers' perceptions, concerns, and required resources needed to implement the program as intended. The participants …

An Examination Of Response To Intervention Implementation In New York State, Job Thomas

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The New York State Education Department required that all school districts implement Response to Intervention by July 1, 2012. Given that measurable change can be expected between one and three years after prioritizing actions of change, this study will examine the level to which the Response to Intervention framework is being prioritized in New York schools and districts. Specifically, this study will examine practitioner self-reported perception of implementation to determine the extent to which school districts participating in a statewide personnel development project incorporate the four components of RtI including, multi-level prevention system, screening, progress monitoring and data-based decision making.

A Matter Of Time: English Language Learners And The Rti Process, Eric J. López, Mariya T. Davis

Special Education Faculty Publications

The Response to Intervention (RTI) process is being used to assist all students, including English Language Learners (ELLs), who are experiencing academic difficulties and potentially qualifying for special education services. This article discusses suggestions for improving the RTI process by incorporating congruent time frames within the model and aligning it with timing necessary for language acquisition in ELLs. In addition, practical recommendations for expanding the expertise of current and future educators are presented to assist in providing effective services to ELLs students in the RTI process.

Innovative Teaching Practices To Accelerate Student Learning In The Areas Of Literacy And Science, Michelle Simmons, Paris Bouchard

Dissertations

The researchers of this joint dissertation aspired to create and implement innovative instructional practices that would accelerate student learning. Both researchers believed in the importance of experimenting with structures and processes that lead to instructional impact. They were both passionate about developing an instructional model that would accelerate student learning by focusing on student transfer of skills. They sought to answer the question, Can learning be accelerated when teachers are supported and encouraged to create and implement instructional practices grounded in research? One researcher studied a practice that would potentially increase students’ ability to think critically and problem solve using …

Preparation Of School Counselors And Response To Intervention: A Profession At The Crossroads, Melissa S. Ockerman, Eva Patrikakou, Amy Feiker Hollenbeck

Eva N. Patrikakou

As a result of the Response to Intervention (RTI) mandate in schools across many states, school counselors are uniquely positioned to a take a leadership role within its implementation. This research study examines how school counselors in one such state perceive their training and knowledge of RTI and thus their confidence in implementing it. Implications for training, supervision, professional development and future research are discussed.