Teachers' satisfaction with school psychological services has been studied for more than 30 years. Few to no studies, however, are available that provide data about the perceptions of school psychologists regarding their perceived value within different service delivery models, particularly those involving Response to Intervention (RTI) models. The present study was designed to determine if any differences existed between the satisfaction ratings of school psychologists in RTI versus non-RTI school districts as self-reported by teachers and school psychologists. General education teachers, special education teachers, and school psychologists from RTI and non-RTI school districts across the United States were surveyed about their satisfaction with school psychological services using the School Psychology Perceptions Survey (SPPS, 2004). Responses were evaluated for significance using Kruskal-Wallis and in the event significance was found, Tukey's HSD was used to determine where the difference occurred. Both special and general education teachers reported statistically significant differences in their satisfaction ratings of school psychological services. Teachers from RTI school districts reported greater satisfaction levels with school psychological services when compared to teachers from non-RTI districts. School psychologists who worked in RTI school districts reported higher job satisfaction ratings than those who worked in non-RTI school districts. In terms of teachers' and school psychologists' satisfaction ratings of school psychological services, the results suggest that RTI school districts provide a more satisfying model of school psychological service delivery compared to non-RTI school district models.

This case study addressed the problem of implementing response to intervention (RTI) in general secondary education. To investigate this problem, one north Texas school's RTI implementation was examined using the theoretical framework of the concerns-based adoption model (CBAM) and defining RTI as the innovation. RTI-related practices were studied for 10 secondary teachers, two from each core subject (i.e., mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies) and the fine arts who had been implementing RTI for several years. Data regarding participants' stages of concern about and levels of use of RTI were collected across three time intervals using the three diagnostic instruments of CBAM (i.e., Stages of Concern Questionnaire, Levels of Use interviews, and Innovation Configuration Checklist matrix), behavioral observations during instruction and RTI meetings, and structured exit interviews of participants. Overall, findings indicated that the secondary teachers were at similar stages of concern and levels of use of RTI. Teachers' RTI concerns scores remained highest in the Self phase and lowest in the Impact phase of concern at all three intervals of data collection. As levels of RTI use increased, observed RTI use increased; however, teachers' RTI levels of use scores remained in the early levels of RTI implementation at all three intervals of data collection. Patterns in teachers' responses during exit interviews suggested that contextual factors unique to this setting (e.g., unexpected changes in RTI protocol, priorities of administrative personnel, and demands placed on teachers) may have influenced teachers' concerns about the teacher's role in, the professional development in, and the sustainability of RTI as an innovation. The literature does not currently address secondary teachers' concerns about and levels of use of RTI in relation to CBAM. Therefore, this study not only fills a gap in literature but also has implications for how teachers are trained and supported in implementing and sustaining the practices of consultation and differentiated instruction associated with RTI. This case study provided insight about the importance and value of teachers' participation and knowledge of RTI to facilitate the change process successfully.

Thesis advisor: Elizabeth A. Twomey / Thesis advisor: James Marini / This qualitative case study focused on a Response to Intervention (RTI) literacy initiative in a suburban elementary school near an urban area in New England. The initiative incorporated professional development about RTI and implementation of components of an RTI model. The participant-researcher analyzed teachers' feedback regarding the professional development and the RTI model, as the initiative developed, with a specific focus on the teachers' perceptions about the impact of the initiative on the school's capacity to effectively instruct urban students of color who are participants in a voluntary desegregation program. The professional development about RTI incorporated three features which are recommended for professional learning communities: content which is research-based, process which includes reflection and dialogue, and context which is job-embedded. The RTI model utilized the "problem-solving" approach, and incorporated progress-monitoring and interventions. The findings from the study indicated that the combination of three elements (sustained professional development about RTI, implementation of RTI in the school setting, and conversations and questions about addressing the needs of urban students of color) resulted in increased teacher confidence in their ability to provide effective instruction to this population of students. Further, the interaction of these three elements resulted in identification of next steps which the teachers believe will specifically address these students' needs. However, several teachers questioned whether RTI was adequate to address the complex issues of students of color in a voluntary desegregation program. They recognized that they needed more information about effective instructional strategies to match the learning profiles of this population of students. Combining the results of this case study with the recommendations of the professional literature about culturally responsive teaching, it appears that Response to Intervention has the potential to address the learning needs of urban students of color, but only if practitioners incorporate some basic principles of culturally responsive teaching. Integrating the results of this study with the professional literature about Response to Intervention, culturally responsive teaching, and effective professional development, the participant-researcher recommends that policymakers and educators should consider incorporating culturally responsive teaching into their RTI models in order to truly make RTI effective for addressing the achievement gap. Further, the researcher recommends that schools should provide sustained professional development (with content based upon research, process which includes reflection and dialogue, and context which is job-embedded) to increase teachers' understanding about Response to Intervention and about culturally responsive teaching. / Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2009. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Administration.

Thesis advisor: Diana C. Pullin / The introduction of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2002 and the reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, resulted in numerous changes in the American education system. In particular, the IDEA reauthorization introduced an initiative entitled Response to Intervention (RTI) that has impacted both regular and special education practices and policies. RTI is a regular education initiative that involves a multi-tiered approach to service delivery and is based on student outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative, single case study is to examine and report teachers' perceptions of the RTI implementation process for reading in grades K-3 in a suburban elementary school. Additionally, this research seeks to identify themes that have influenced the success of the RTI model, and to provide a framework for key components for a successful reading RTI implementation process according to teachers. The data sources used in this qualitative study included: focus groups, individual semi-structured interviews, and artifacts. This data was analyzed and compared using constant comparison analysis. According to the teachers and principal, seven themes emerged from the analysis, including: communication, success, professional development, support/materials, challenges, implementation, and leadership. Every participant reported that communication among all members of the school community is essential within an RTI model. Most importantly, teachers expressed the significance of creating a shared vision among staff. Teachers defined successful RTI implementation and their perceptions of reading success in grades K-3. Teachers reported the need for authentic, purposeful, RTI professional development and support/materials to support each tier. The participants reported the challenges that are inherent in RTI implementation and how the model has changed since inception. Participants discussed the role of leadership and the qualities of a leader that promote success. Lastly, recommendations are made for teachers and school leaders who are beginning the RTI implementation process and for public policy officials who create and monitor regulations regarding reading RTI policies and procedures. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2012. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Administration and Higher Education.

The purpose of this study was to make use of indicators of level of implementation collected during the enactment of Oregon Reading First in order to examine whether variation of implementation of the components of the Schoolwide Reading Program predicted better outcomes for students and schools. In particular, the aim of this study was to determine the extent to which each of three different types of measures of implementation fidelity, as well as a combined index of these measures, explained school-level variance in student improvement in 34 schools participating in the Reading First program. Hierarchical linear modeling was utilized to predict reading performance and growth on oral reading fluency and overall measures of reading performance. Mixed results, at best, were found when analyzing this association. In both second and third grades, one of three implementation indices and a composite total of all three measures were statistically significant but small predictors of oral reading fluency growth. However, this relationship was offset with the removal of one outlier school. Implementation threshold effects are discussed as a possible cause of nullification. No statistically significant relationships were found between implementation fidelity measures and overall reading outcomes directed at reading comprehension. Although not a focus of the study, school-level demographic characteristics including special education status and limited English proficiency appeared to explain significant differences between schools despite the use of evidence-based practices and strong support for implementation of these practices.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the perceptions regular education teachers have of the Response to Intervention framework and the Progress Monitoring Process. Participants of the study included 246 K-3 regular education teachers from 4 Northeast Tennessee school systems. The survey achieved a 42% return rate for a total of 104 participants. Specifically, this research assessed K-3 regular education teachers’ perceptions of the RTI framework as a whole, their perceptions of the progress monitoring process, their perceptions of their readiness to implement an RTI framework, their perceptions of the effectiveness of the professional development opportunities they had been provided by their school systems regarding RTI, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of RTI on the academic growth of their at-risk students. The data sources analyzed consisted of a survey design using a 5-point Likert scale. Each research question had a corresponding null hypothesis. Each research question was analyzed with a series of one-tailed single sample t-tests with mid-point of the scale (3.0) as the test value representing neutrality. All data were analyzed at the .05 level of significance. Findings indicated that participants’ overall perceptions of the RTI framework were significantly positive.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to provide research in examining the difference in student achievement in reading and math through the quantitative data collection of North Carolina EOG scores for students in third through fifth grade from one high poverty and high performing North Carolina public school district before and after implementation of RtI. The population of this study included all students in the public school system who participated in EOG testing during the 2009-2012 school years in grades 3-5. Data collection was carried out using the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Testing and Accountability website to acquire North Carolina End of Grade scores for cohort grouped students for school years: 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012. Each research question had a corresponding null hypothesis. A chi-square analysis was conducted on each of the 6 research questions. All data were analyzed at the .05 level of significance. Findings indicated little difference in student achievement in reading and math EOG scores for students in third through fifth grade before and after district implementation of RtI.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the perceptions K-8 regular education teachers have of the Response to Intervention framework. Participants of the study included 1,036 K-8 regular education teachers from 4 East Tennessee districts. The survey achieved a 28% return rate for a total of 277 participants. Specifically, this research assessed K-8 regular education teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the RTI framework overall, in aiding in the accurate identification of students with learning disabilities, closing skills gaps for students, and in aiding in the early identification of students with learning difficulties. The data source analyzed consisted of a survey design using a 5-point Likert type scale. There were 5 research questions with 4 corresponding null hypothesis for each question. Research questions were analyzed using a single sample t test, independent t test, or an ANOVA. Results indicated that teachers perceived the Response to Intervention framework effective to a significant extent overall, in closing skills gaps, and aiding in the early identification of students with learning difficulties. They did not see the framework effective to a significant extent in aiding in the accurate identification of students with learning difficulties.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine teacher perceptions of the effectiveness of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework with students who are acquiring English as a second language. Students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have been disproportionately represented in special education programs for decades (Artiles & Trent, 1994; Donovan & Cross, 2002; Heller, Holtzman, & Messick, 1982). Legislators responsible for the authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act in 2004 (IDEIA 2004) allowed state education leaders the option to use RtI as an alternative identification method. RtI was believed to be a framework through which the number of inappropriate EL referrals for special education services could be reduced. Ten elementary teachers in a small/medium sized rural school district in East Tennessee participated in semi-structured interviews intended to examine their perceptions of the effectiveness of the RtI framework when implemented with ELs. The researcher analyzed the responses for emergent themes. These themes included knowledge about the purpose of the framework, the impact of leadership upon implementation of the framework, training and professional development around teaching ELs and responding to their unique needs, and understanding differences between challenges arising from language acquisition versus those arising from a learning disability. Findings and recommendations for practice are included.

The Early Reading First Program emphasizes that preschool classrooms provide services to better prepare children entering kindergarten with the necessary language, cognitive, and literacy skills that can avert reading difficulties. This study investigated two questions. The first addressed the effectiveness of the ERF program on students identified with a disability within control and experimental groups. The second addressed the effectiveness of the ERF program on subpopulations of students within the ERF program categorized with a severe language delay or a mild/moderate language delay. To address the first question, results showed a statistically significant difference between the control sample and experimental sample of posttest data in the area of language development. Addressing the second question, results showed a statistically significant difference in posttest scores between the mild/moderate sample of students versus the severe sample of students on the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDI) Alliteration subtest and the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) Print-Word Awareness subtest. A major limitation of this study is the small number of children and, thus, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions.