RTI, is an acronym that became commonly used in education after the implementation of No Child Left Behind, but what does that acronym mean? Brown-Chidsey and Steege quoted Dave Tilly, a school psychologist, as saying that RTI actually means "really terrific instruction!" RTI is defined differently in different states. Some say it means Response to Intervention, while others say it means Response to Education. Brown-Chidsey and Steege argue that it doesn't matter whether we're talking about intervention or education; the important thing is that teachers use science-based teaching that responds to student learning. The benefits of RTI are numerous. First, according to the Nebraska RTI website, research states that struggling readers have a higher risk of academic failure and dropping out. With RTI, readers at risk for reading difficulties can be identified early and, when intervention is provided, can catch up with classmates at grade level. Second, teachers no longer have to wait for students to fail before interventions can begin. RTI provides a consistent model and procedures for making data-driven educational decisions for all students. Beginning in the general education classroom, the first indication that a student is not performing at grade level in an academic area, a research-based intervention is provided. With data from progress monitoring and based on IDEA 2004, RTI data can be used as part of the comprehensive assessment for special education eligibility. Third, RTI can be established on a district-by-district basis. The district can determine appropriate assessments, curricula, and interventions that meet its needs, as long as they follow the model. According to the RTI Nebraska website, although some...... half of the document ......and students. Works Cited Brown-Chidsey, R., & Steege, M. W. (2010). Response to intervention: Principles and strategies for effective practice (2nd edition ed.). New York: The Guilford Press. National Center on Response to Intervention. (n.d.). National Center on Response to Intervention Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://www.rti4success.org Nebraska RtI Implementation & Support Team. (n.d.). Nebraska RtI Implementation and Support Team. Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://rtinebraska.unl.eduResponse to Intervention - Educational Service Unit 10. (n.d.). Welcome - Educational Service Unit 10. Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://www.esu10.org/programs-services/teaching-learning/rtiResponse to Intervention. (n.d.). Nebraska Department of Education | NDE. Retrieved November 11, 2011, from http://www.education.ne.gov/RTI/index.html