Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) is an approach for redesigning and establishing teaching and learning environments that are effective, efficient, relevant, and durable for all students, families, and educators. RTI2 involves an education process that matches instructional and intervention strategies and supports to student needs in an informed, ongoing approach for planning, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of instruction, curricular supports, and interventions. RTI2 is also a process designed to help schools focus on and provide high-quality instruction and interventions to students who may be struggling with learning.

An intervention is a specific type of instruction that is used to help with a specific type of problem or skill deficit. Interventions are matched to student needs. Student progress is monitored often to check the effectiveness of the instruction and interventions. The data collected on a student’s progress are used to shape instruction and make educational decisions. Use of an RTI2 process can help avoid a “wait to fail” situation because students get help promptly within the general education environment.