FTCE ESE Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework in schools?
- To provide a continuum of evidence-based supports matched to student need across academics and behavior (Correct answer)
- To replace the special education referral process entirely
- To identify students who qualify for gifted education programs
- To ensure all students receive identical instruction regardless of skill level
Correct answer: To provide a continuum of evidence-based supports matched to student need across academics and behavior
MTSS provides a continuum of supports at increasing levels of intensity, matched to student need, integrating both academic and behavioral domains.
Question 2: In a three-tier RTI model, which tier provides targeted small-group interventions for students who do not adequately respond to core instruction?
- Tier 1
- Tier 2 (Correct answer)
- Tier 3
- Tier 4
Correct answer: Tier 2
Tier 2 consists of targeted, supplemental small-group interventions (typically groups of 3–5 students) for those who do not make adequate progress with Tier 1 core instruction.
Question 3: Approximately what percentage of the general student population is expected to have their needs met through Tier 1 (core) instruction alone in a well-implemented RTI model?
- 50–60%
- 65–70%
- 80–85% (Correct answer)
- 95–100%
Correct answer: 80–85%
A well-implemented Tier 1 program is expected to meet the needs of 80–85% of students, meaning the core curriculum and universal instruction are effective for most learners.
Question 4: Which progress monitoring tool is most widely used in RTI models to track student growth in reading?
- Norm-referenced standardized achievement tests
- Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) (Correct answer)
- Portfolio assessments
- Anecdotal observation records
Correct answer: Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) is the most widely researched and used progress monitoring approach in RTI because it is brief, sensitive to growth, and administered frequently.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of universal screening in an MTSS framework?
- To diagnose specific learning disabilities in students
- To identify all students who may be at risk and need additional support (Correct answer)
- To determine which students qualify for special education services
- To evaluate the effectiveness of individual teachers
Correct answer: To identify all students who may be at risk and need additional support
Universal screening is conducted with all students to identify those who may be at risk for academic or behavioral difficulties so that early intervention can be provided.
Question 6: How frequently should progress monitoring typically occur for a student receiving Tier 2 interventions in an RTI model?
- Once per semester
- Once per month
- Every two weeks (biweekly) (Correct answer)
- Daily
Correct answer: Every two weeks (biweekly)
Students in Tier 2 are typically progress monitored every two weeks (biweekly) to allow for timely data-based decisions about intervention effectiveness.
Question 7: Which federal law explicitly permits school districts to use a student's response to scientific, research-based interventions as part of the process for identifying a specific learning disability?
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990)
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) (Correct answer)
- The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015)
Correct answer: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)
IDEA 2004 allows states to permit LEAs to use RTI data as an alternative to the traditional ability-achievement discrepancy model when identifying students with specific learning disabilities.
FTCE ESE Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) 1
What is the primary purpose of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework in schools?