As you begin the school year with a new third-grade class, you notice that one of your students
is especially weak in fluency. You have brought your concerns to the special education teacher
for guidance on intervention strategies.
Create a 175- to 350-word fictitious profile for this third-grade student with very poor fluency
skills that includes:
Student information (name, age, language and social characteristics, ethnicity, any known
educational history, etc.)
Explanation of concern
Assessments or inventories already given and the results
Current progress monitoring tool being used
Create a 4- to 6-page response to intervention (RTI) plan for this student that specifically
addresses fluency skills. Be detailed and specific. Include the following components in your
plan:
A description of Tier 1 intervention goals (written as measurable, observable objectives)
Any state standard(s) that will be met through Tier 1 goal(s)
An explanation of specific activities/strategies to develop the student’s reading fluency skills,
including the use of technology tools
A plan for assessing and monitoring the student’s progress, including a student self-assessment
or monitoring strategy
A parental/family communication plan that supports the student’s learning needs and
promotes accountability, as well as includes home reinforcement activities that utilize
technology (e.g., interactive software)
Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports that can be used if the Tier 1 intervention is unsuccessful
Current progress monitoring tool
Full Answer Section
Assessments and Inventories:
- Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA): Alex scored below grade level in word recognition, fluency, and comprehension.
- Phonological Awareness Assessment: Alex demonstrated difficulty with blending and segmenting sounds.
Current Progress Monitoring Tool:
- Oral Reading Fluency (ORF): Weekly timed readings to monitor progress in fluency rate and accuracy.
Response to Intervention (RTI) Plan
Tier 1 Intervention: Classroom-Based Instruction
Goals:
- Alex will increase his oral reading fluency rate to 100 words per minute by the end of the school year.
- Alex will accurately pronounce 95% of words when reading aloud.
- Alex will demonstrate improved comprehension of grade-level texts.
State Standards:
- RL.3.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as similes and metaphors. 1
1. www.wawm.k12.wi.us
- RF.3.4: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
Specific Activities and Strategies:
- Repeated Reading: Have Alex repeatedly read short passages at his instructional level to increase fluency and accuracy.
- Paired Reading: Partner Alex with a more fluent reader to practice reading aloud together.
- Reader's Theater: Engage Alex in reader's theater activities to enhance fluency and expression.
- Technology Integration: Utilize online reading programs like Raz-Kids and Lexia to provide targeted practice and feedback.
- Phonological Awareness Activities: Incorporate activities to improve phonemic awareness, such as blending, segmenting, and manipulating sounds.
- Guided Reading: Provide small-group instruction to target specific reading skills, such as fluency.
Progress Monitoring:
- Weekly ORF assessments to track progress in fluency rate and accuracy.
- Anecdotal records to document observations of Alex's reading behavior during guided reading and independent reading.
- Student self-assessment: Have Alex reflect on his reading progress and set personal goals.
Parental/Family Communication Plan:
- Regular communication with parents/guardians to discuss Alex's progress and provide strategies for home practice.
- Provide a list of online resources and apps for home practice, such as Epic! and Storyline Online.
- Encourage parents/guardians to read aloud to Alex daily and listen to him read.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interventions
If Tier 1 interventions are not sufficient to improve Alex's fluency, more intensive interventions may be necessary.
Tier 2:
- Small-Group Fluency Instruction: Provide targeted small-group instruction to address specific fluency needs.
- Consult with a Speech-Language Pathologist: Seek consultation to address any underlying language or speech difficulties.
Tier 3:
- Intensive Individualized Instruction: Provide one-on-one instruction with a reading specialist to address specific fluency deficits.
- Consider Special Education Referral: If Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions are unsuccessful, consider a referral for special education evaluation to determine eligibility for additional support services.
Sample Answer
Student Profile: Alex
Student Information:
- Name: Alex
- Age: 8
- Language and Social Characteristics: English Language Learner (ELL) from a Spanish-speaking background, shy and often hesitant to participate in class discussions.
- Ethnicity: Hispanic
- Educational History: Enrolled in bilingual education program in kindergarten and first grade.
Explanation of Concern: Alex exhibits significant difficulty with reading fluency. He reads slowly and often mispronounces words, which hinders his comprehension. His reading rate is significantly below grade level, and he struggles with oral reading fluency tasks.