Classroom Teachers’ Perceptions of Response to Intervention Implementation: a Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

The purpose of this interview study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of Response to Intervention (RtI) implementation in their school. Particularly, the study explored teachers’ knowledge of RtI, teachers’ perceptions of RtI their intervention/instruction in school, and teachers’ suggestions of RtI implementation in their school. The study design was a qualitative interview in nature and data were collected from face-to-face interviews with four teachers in one school. The findings revealed that RtI means to identify students’ problems; the positive teachers’ perceptions of their implementation included: (a) students who demonstrate progress through RtI are those who receive private education services, (b) progress monitoring helps to keep teachers on track. (c) Factors pertaining to context included: (a) School training, (b) Confidence of RtI practice, (c) Collaboration with schools’ teacher. The following factors lead to a negative perception of the RtI process: (a) Planning is difficult, (b) RtI is confusing, (c) Insufficient time for implementation, (d) Excessive RtI paperwork, and (e) Delay of identification for special education services. The study findings also indicated to the teachers’ suggestions to improve RtI implementation in their school through staff support. The findings of study have significant implications on higher and professional education in the field.