When children enter Pre-K or Kindergarten, schools want to ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive academically and socially. Two powerful tools used to accomplish this are universal screeners and the Response to Intervention (RTI) process. At J&J Learning Services (JJLS), we believe understanding these tools helps parents partner effectively with schools and advocate for their child.
What Is a Universal Screener?
A universal screener is a short, standardized assessment given to all students in a particular grade level—typically in reading, math, or social-emotional skills. The purpose isn’t to diagnose a disability, but to quickly identify which students may need extra support or enrichment.
Examples of universal screeners in early childhood include:
- Phonological awareness tasks (identifying rhymes, beginning sounds)
- Early math skills (counting objects, recognizing numbers)
- Social-emotional checklists (following directions, managing emotions, peer interaction)
👉 Universal screeners are usually administered multiple times a year (e.g., fall, winter, spring) to monitor growth and catch concerns early.
What Is the RTI Process?
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered framework schools use after universal screening results indicate that a child may need extra support. Instead of waiting for a child to fail, RTI allows schools to intervene early.
The RTI model is often described in three tiers:
- Tier 1: Core Instruction
- High-quality classroom instruction for all students.
- Teachers use evidence-based practices and monitor progress for every child.
- Tier 2: Targeted Small Group Support
- For students who need more help, additional support is provided in small groups.
- Example: 20 minutes of extra reading intervention 3 times a week.
- Tier 3: Intensive Individual Support
- Students who continue to struggle receive more intensive, individualized interventions.
- If progress remains limited, schools may recommend an evaluation for special education services.
Why Universal Screeners and RTI Are Important
- Catch concerns early: The earlier support is provided, the better the outcomes for children.
- Prevent unnecessary referrals: Not all children who struggle need special education. Many thrive with extra intervention through RTI.
- Provide data-driven decisions: Progress monitoring gives parents and teachers objective data to guide next steps.
- Ensure equity: Every child is screened, so children don’t “slip through the cracks.” This is especially important for historically underserved populations, including children of color and English learners.
How JJLS Supports Families
At J&J Learning Services, we help parents:
- Understand screening results and what they mean.
- Navigate the RTI process and know what interventions should look like.
- Ask the right questions, such as:
- “What interventions are being used?”
- “How often will progress be monitored?”
- “What happens if my child is not making progress?”
- Determine when it may be appropriate to request a special education evaluation if interventions aren’t enough.
Citations
- National Center on Response to Intervention. (2010). Essential Components of RTI – A Closer Look at Response to Intervention. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://rti4success.org
- National Center on Improving Literacy. (2022). Screening: What It Is and Why It Matters. Retrieved from https://improvingliteracy.org
👉 JJLS Tip: Universal screeners and RTI are not labels—they are tools to ensure your child gets the right support at the right time. By staying informed and involved, you can make sure your child has the best chance to succeed in school from the very beginning.
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