Tier 1 in the context of RTI (Response to Intervention) is the first of three tiers intended to meet the needs of all students. Tier 1 is risk reduction; classroom teachers use data and intentional instructional moves to close students’ gaps. By intentionally designing and delivering lessons, teachers increase the number of students who master grade level standards thereby decreasing the number of students who need Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
The five features of Tier 1 instruction are designed to ensure that all students receive high-quality instruction and support with a focus on preventing academic problems before they occur. These five features include:
- learning objectives
- gradual release of responsibility
- differentiation
- flexible groupings and blended learning
- progress monitoring
