Critical Features of a Successful RtI Structure
Though evidence-based approaches for intensive intervention are readily available, the numbers of students who struggle with learning, and are identified for Special Education services, continues to rise. Educators understand that Response to Intervention (RtI) is merely a framework and not a solution for giving students the help they need. Our experience working in schools throughout the…
Response to Intervention: Fresh Solutions for Your Biggest Challenges
Response to Intervention (RtI) has been difficult for many school systems to implement effectively. In an ideal tiered system, general education classroom teachers present core curriculum through differentiated instruction. Reliable universal screening tools help identify students needing targeted intervention in Tier 2. Progress monitoring tools help keep Tier 2 instruction on track for success. Depending…
The Imagery-Language Connection for Vocabulary Skills
Today’s standards-based English Language Arts curricula have put a new spotlight on reading comprehension and vocabulary. To function in the classroom and do well on assessments, students are expected to have strong “everyday” language skills in addition to acquiring academic words—this is key for college and career readiness. At the same time, US schools are…
[In the News]Cañon City School District: More students measuring up in reading
(Photo: Sara Knuth / Daily Record) Cañon City School District is using a Colorado Department of Education grant to change outcomes for their struggling readers. The Cañon City Daily Record has been following the progress of teachers and students alike and has exciting news to report. Go to story. Lindamood-Bell can be a key factor in making…
Literacy Solutions for English Learners
Teachers of English Learners face a unique challenge—to quickly develop language and literacy skills in a differentiated manner. To address the needs of English Learners, teachers can add instruction that develops the imagery-language connection. English Learners can acquire the skills and knowledge they need, more quickly. By addressing the skills that underlie reading and…
Beyond Expectations: Language Comprehension and Thinking for State Standards-Based Curriculum
English Language Arts Standards challenge students to comprehend and think, rather than remember facts. While the standards outline clear goals by grade level, the method for teaching students how to comprehend is not clear, even for students receiving intervention. High expectations and the opportunity to practice are simply not enough for many learners. Clinical research over…
RtI Solutions: Visualizing and Verbalizing in Tier 2
Response to Intervention (RtI) always seems simple: in Tier 1, classroom teachers present core curriculum through differentiated instruction. Students who are not making adequate progress receive more targeted help a few times a week. Intervention effectiveness is checked out through progress monitoring and students either move on from needing the extra help, or their needs…
Assessments Matter: Transform RtI at Your School
Students can spend years receiving literacy services that may not change their ability to read and comprehend. In fact, students may instead continue to fall further and further behind their peers. Struggling learners are often lacking basic connections needed for reading and comprehension; and the underlying cause of their weakness may not be addressed by…
[Article] The Imagery-Language Connection for Memory: Tips for Teachers
Nearly all the volumes written on memory include references to imagery. Memory is often referred to as a mental impression. When we remember something, we access a mental representation of it. -Nanci Bell, Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking Students are expected to learn new information, in topic areas they may or…
Assessments 101: Identify and Address Why Your Students are Struggling
Students in Tiers II and III can spend years receiving services and still struggle in school. Many of these students lack the basic connections needed for reading and comprehension, and the root cause of their weakness may not be addressed with traditional interventions. This does not have to be the case. We believe…
