Dive Brief:

A number of adjustments have made providing effective intervention and support for struggling students much easier for educators, and there's more to it than just technology. A rethinking of discipline has factored heavily into these efforts, as well. Greater awareness of the negative impacts of "zero-tolerance" policies that favor suspension, expulsion and referrals to the juvenile justice system for minor infractions has brought a rise in the use of restorative justice programs and other tactics focused on addressing what's causing students' behavioral issues, including socioeconomic factors and their home environment.

In a February interview, Sylacauga City Schools (AL) Director of Instruction and Intervention Carol Martin shared her district's best practices on RTI, noting the importance of data in intervention efforts and how to get parental buy-in. The latter has been a particularly sensitive topic for some, with parents naturally concerned about what data is being gathered on their children and how it is ultimately used by both the school/district and any third party.

"We have data workshops for parents, and assessment workshops, where we put all the data on the table for their child," Martin said."I think you have to make it personal. I believe we get uncomfortable when we dont have our own data in our hands. If parents can see a report telling exactly where their child grew, on what skills and what the percentages are what parent doesnt wanna know that?"

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Neuroscience developments have greatly improved district intervention strategies - Education Dive