12 Things to Consider When Implementing RTI in Secondary Schools

It is important to understand that the roles of both general and special education teachers change when RTI is implemented. Students that may have previously been assigned to special education will now be in the general classroom and need differentiated instruction. Depending on how your secondary school implements RTI, general education teachers may need to be trained in techniques that support more targeted instruction. Special education teachers, on the other hand, may find that they now need to team teach in a general education setting or provide professional development for their general education colleagues.

Throw the Phrase, “Just a Paraprofessional” Out the Window

Is there anything to be gained by creating a culture in our schools where paraprofessionals (teaching assistants, aides, paras, para-pros, classroom assistants) are viewed as 'less than'? Paraprofessionals have a vital role in our schools. Often, as one parent expressed, paraprofessionals are the least paid, least trained people in the school community, yet they are often charged with caring for and academically supporting the most challenging and most needy students.

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