Response to Intervention - Articulation

Although I do very little articulation therapy at the high school, I try to keep current in as many areas of speech pathology as possible. So when some of the SLPs in my district formed a study group to look at a Response to Intervention (RTI) Model for Articulation, I joined the group.

Several of the elementary schools in our district are piloting RTI models for early language and literacy. These schools have been doing this for several years and the RTI programs are developing well.

For those of you who are not familiar with the RTI concept, the idea is aligned with the new IDEA and No Child Left Behind. The hope is to provide research based interventions using a multi-tiered approach in the hopes that we can improve the skills of "at risk" students before they go through the special education evaluation process.

The purpose of our study group is to explore the possibilities and options for starting an RTI model for articulation in our district. We've looked at screening tools, paperwork and treatment tools. Once again the hope is that if we identify "at risk" articulation problems early, we can provide some early intervention before more intensive speech therapy is needed.

We have looked at two models for information. In Louisiana, one district designed a "Quick Artic" program and San Diego created an RTI articulation program as well. There is not much information and research published about RTI articulation, so it has been difficult finding useful information. I'd love to hear if anyone has experience with this model. I will also share our recommendations and findings once we've finished our study group. Until then- Happy Halloween!