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What is RTI?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a new way to help kids who are struggling academically. In an RTI system, the progress of all children is monitored consistently, and the children who are struggling are provided with additional resources and evidence-based interventions. The progress of these children is monitored even more closely, and the children who fail to respond positively receive more intense interventions. The RTI framework is supported by educational law and many school districts across the country are currently using it as an alternative to traditional special education evaluative models.
What is a school psychologist?
School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.
School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a post-Master’s degree program that includes a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation, and effective teaching.
School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).
School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation; they use different strategies to address student needs and to improve school and district-wide support systems.
School psychologists work with students individually and in groups. They also develop programs to train teachers and parents about effective teaching and learning strategies, techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom, working with students with disabilities or with special talents, addressing abuse of drugs and other substances, and preventing and managing crises.
For more information on school psychology, see the website of the National Association of School Psychologists.
