Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²), in Georgia, is a three-tiered instructional process, or framework, which guides teachers in matching instruction and intervention to each student's learning needs. This may include intervention for skill weaknesses, or strength-based instruction through enrichment and acceleration.​

What are the Three Tiers of Instruction in an RTI² framework?     

Tier 1 – All students receive core instruction matched to their readiness level in the general education classroom.  Behavioral expectations are also specifically taught and reinforced in this tier.  Schools will assess all students to determine what students are at-risk for not meeting grade level standards, as well as which students will likely benefit from enrichment and/or acceleration.

Tier 2 –Some students will be identified with skill gaps in reading, math, and/or behavior.  In Tier 2, students who are less than 2 years below grade level will receive targeted intervention in their specific area of weakness.

Students who are above grade level receive strength-based instruction in Tier 2.  This could be through an advanced or honors class. 

Tier 3 – Students who are identified as having significant skill weaknesses and students who do not respond to targeted intervention in Tier 2, will participate in intensive intervention in Tier 3. 

What is the Student Support Team?

The Student Support Team (SST) is an interdisciplinary group that uses a systematic problem solving process to address learning and/or behavior problems of students, K-12, in a school.  Per Georgia Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.32, every Georgia School must have an SST.

The Student Support Team (SST) is in Tier 3 of an RTI² instructional framework.  Each school's designated SST participates in problem-solving and monitoring of students who are identified as having significant skill weaknesses and/or who do not respond to Tier 2 instruction and intervention.​