KY-SPIN’s Myth Busters: Response To Intervention (RTI)* & the Evaluation for Special Education

Myth: An evaluation for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) cannot take place during the RTI process.   

Truth: The RTI process cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation for eligibility under Individuals with Disabilities Education improvement Act (IDEA) for an IEP.

Supporting Resources:

• OSEP Memo 16-07—Response to Intervention (RTI) and Preschool Services (April 29, 2016)
• OSEP Memorandum – RTI process cannot be used to delay-deny an evaluation for eligibility under IDEA. Office of Special Education Programs to State Directors of Special Education, 01/21/11.
• Questions and Answers On Response to Intervention (RTI) and Early Intervening Services (EIS) OSEP
• KDE Policy Letter #2010-11-01 Eligibility Question and Answer Referrals and Response to Intervention (RtI)

*The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has expanded the system for response to intervention (RTI) to a more comprehensive multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). 

Kentucky’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (KyMTSS) is defined as a multi-level prevention system to support student achievement and social-emotional behavioral competencies through an integration of differentiated core instruction, assessment and intervention.