Response: Instruction and Intervention

The response component of R&R refers to both the high quality, research-based instruction offered to all children (core curriculum and intentional teaching at Tier 1) as well as the more explicit interventions (i.e., content specific, small-group interventions) in combination with embedded learning activities and individualized scaffolding strategies used within Tiers 2 and 3.

Core Curriculum and Intentional Teaching

In Tier 1 the focus of instruction is providing a research-based, comprehensive core curriculum for all children in the classroom, along with intentional teaching.

Explicit Interventions

Explicit interventions are intended to provide a more intensive focus for children who are having difficulty acquiring skills or maintaining the expected rate of learning. Research-based instructional approaches serve as the basis for providing explicit instruction at Tier 2 in small groups for children with the same learning goals. Explicit interventions may be used to address a range of language and literacy skills (e.g., phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge) and early math skills (e.g., number sequencing, and shape identification) through structured, content-specific lessons. 

Embedded Learning Activities

Embedded learning activities are designed to complement the content of the explicit interventions within ongoing classroom routines and activities. For embedded approaches, teachers  look for opportunities within typical classroom routines and activities to extend children’s learning objectives, and give them further opportunities to practice these skills.

Scaffolding

In Tier 3, scaffolding includes more intensive supports, such as prompting and modeling for children who require more individualized interventions in combination with the Tier 2 interventions.