What is ORTIi?
The purpose of ORTIi (Oregon Respone to Instruction and Intervention) is to provide technical assistance to Oregon school districts implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) systems that provide targeted, effective instruction to meet the needs of all students and provide the framework to identify students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). The focus of the project is on literacy, early intervention, and the use of evidenced-based practices.
What is the difference between MTSS, RTI, and PBIS?
MTSS - MTSS stands for multi-tiered system of support. This framework has a tiered structure using data to help match academic and social-emotional behavior assessment and instructional resources to individual student’s needs. In this tiered, data-informed framework, educators work to ensure that the majority of students respond to core instruction. Students who need additional support for enrichment or remediation are identified by data and provided that support with the right focus and intensity.
RTI - RTI is a framework for providing comprehensive support to students. It is a prevention oriented approach to linking assessment and instruction that can inform educators’ decisions about how best to teach their students.
PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. When implemented with fidelity, it improves social emotional competence, academic success, and a positive school climate. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.
What is the Science of Reading?
The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing.
This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. The science of reading has culminated in a preponderance of evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and, therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties. This definition is derived from the Reading League, who has a useful guide on the Science of Reading you can download here.
Check out our Professional Learning Series on the Science of Reading for further learning.
How do you connect The Science of Reading with MTSS?
Classroom practices should be based on evidence-based instruction (the best available scientific evidence of effectiveness) rather than traditions, personal beliefs, social media trends, and other factors. A successful MTSS framework is built onto the implementation of systematic, explicit, and cumulative general education Tier 1 instruction (CORE) through whole group and targeted small groups.
What is a Cadre?
An ORTIi Cadre is a cohort of partner school districts receiving comprehensive support from the project. These districts are committed to a full four year program to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support for early literacy in their district.
Check out our resources page for current partner districts.
How does my district get support through ORTIi?
Comprehensive Support: Applications for the next ORTIi Cadre are projected to open in 2027.
Targeted Support: Applications for targeted support will be available in the spring of 2024. Subscribe to our newsletter for future application announcements.
We also provide general support through limited consultation as requested. Contact us to request a consult.
Why doesn’t ORTIi work with individual schools?
ORTIi does not work with individual schools in a district because true implementation of MTSS requires district infrastructure in order to be successful and sustainable.
Why doesn’t ORTIi provide a list of effective interventions?
ORTIi does not provide a list of effective interventions because there are a lot of considerations when choosing a district wide intervention menu including staff capacity, training opportunities, cultural responsiveness, and cost.
The National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) has a useful exploratory tool here you can use to evaluate new and existing programs and practices.
How does ORTIi support the Oregon Early Literacy Framework?
ORTIi provides implementation support to Oregon districts including tools and professional development focused on scaling evidence based practices and MTSS for reading components.
Refer to ODE’s website for further information about the framework.
Got more questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us!