Approaches to Teaching and Learning: Response-to-Intervention (RTI) Framework in the Philippines

The seminar-workshop on “Response-to-Intervention (RTI): A Multi-tier Approach to Learning” was one of the activities under the professional development program of the Research and Development Unit of the Global Resources for Assessment Curriculum and Evaluation, Inc. (GRACE), which is a NEQMAP member institution based in the Philippines. With the help of resource speakers and experts in the field of educational assessment and teaching and learning in the country, Dr. Richard Gonzales and Ms. Maria Angeles Guanzon Lapeña shared valuable insights about the utilization of the RTI framework in addressing learning gaps and problems in student learning outcomes. The event was attended by administrators, school heads, and principals from approximately 120 private schools across Metro Manila and Greater Luzon area.

The RTI framework is one of the latest approaches that focuses on providing effective instruction by initiating early diagnosis and intervention for students experiencing learning difficulties. It is a data-driven approach that determines the level of student’s response to interventions that range from universal to intensive individualized interventions.

Through RTI, schools can develop a comprehensive instructional framework that accommodates all types of learners to improve student learning.

The main objective of the workshop was to gather school leaders and introduce the concept of the RTI framework by implementing institutional initiatives and integrating the principles of RTI from school management down to classroom instruction. The seminar-workshop was designed for the participants to (1) familiarize themselves with the basic concepts of the RTI framework and (2) consider the role of assessment and data gathering in the RTI framework. After the inputs on RTI, the participants shared experiences from their respective schools on how they have initiated reforms to attend to the need in ensuring student learning in their particular contexts. With the institutionalization of educational reforms related to the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education, Philippine schools are tasked with developing a comprehensive pedagogical approach in addressing problems in school management, especially in improving student learning.

Adhering to the principle of “no child left behind,” RTI works as a systemic approach to identify students with learning difficulties and students who are academically challenged so that they can undergo specific modified instruction in order to address these challenges. Through RTI, schools are better able to prevent serious learning difficulties by meeting the needs of the majority of their students. School leaders in their own capacities and through collaborative work can implement school-wide adoption of RTI and employ various effective strategies and techniques within the RTI framework. 

Written by:

Alejandro Ibanez, Assistant Director, GRACE, Inc.

For more information, please contact:

Alejandro Ibanez [aibanez.grace@gmail.com]

Related links:

GRACE, Inc. (www.grace.com.ph)

Response-to-Intervention method (http://www.rtinetwork.org/learn/what/whatisrti)