FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
S
TATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Chairman
Members
DR. AKSHAY DESAI
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
Dr. Eric J. Smith
Commissioner of Education
MEMORANDUM
TO:
District Superintendents
Contact Information
Bambi Lockman
(850)245-0475
Bambi.Lockman@fldoe.org
Or
Evan Lefsky
(850) 245-0503
Evan.Lefsky@fldoe.org
K12:2008-182
FROM:
Dr. Eric J Smith, Commissioner
Dr. Frances Haithcock, Chancellor
DATE:
October 23, 2008
SUBJECT: REGIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MEETINGS TO SUPPORT
DISTRICT RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) IMPLEMENTATION
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has embraced the Response to Intervention
(RtI)
model to address the learning needs of all students, but particularly those at risk for academic
failure. RtI is an empirically-based method to deliver instruction and interventions in a way to
ensure that ALL students achieve grade-level academic and behavior expectations. It is also a
critical component of the Differentiated Accountability Plan.
Last month, the Florida Statewide Response to Instruction/Intervention Implementation Plan was
distributed to all superintendents. This plan will guide the implementation of RtI in Florida and
integrate the RtI model into district School Improvement, Assistance, and Intervention Plans. To
access the plan, please visit our Web site at http://www.fldoe.org/Schools/rti.asp.
The Department has established a State Transformation Team to provide support to districts as they
implement RtI. This team consists of representatives from every unit within the FLDOE and
targeted statewide projects, including Just Read, Florida!, the Florida Center for Reading Research
(FCRR), the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
(FCRR-STEM), Positive Behavior Support, Problem-Solving/RtI, and RtI: Teaching/Learning
Connections.
325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org
Regional Technical Assistance Meetings to Support District RtI Implementation
October 23, 2008
Page Two
Additionally, the PS/RtI project will be hiring five coaches to provide expertise and support in
RtI/PBS in the five differentiated accountability regions.
The Florida Department of Education will conduct regional meetings throughout the state to provide
districts with the guidance and technical assistance necessary to incorporate RtI components in the
School Improvement, Assistance, and Intervention Plans. Districts will use these plans to guide the
implementation of RtI practices. The target audience for these meetings are district-level
administrators who will have the responsibility both for the integration of RtI into district plans and
RtI implementation in the district. District representation at these regional meetings should include
administrators representing:
•
Curriculum and Instruction
•
Reading/Mathematics
•
Title I
•
Student Services
•
Special Education
•
Accountability and Evaluation
Details about these regional meetings will be sent to each district. We look forward to working
with you as we scale-up RtI in Florida. If you need further assistance, please contact Bambi J.
Lockman, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, at (850) 245-0475 or
bambi.lockman@fldoe.org, or Evan Lefsky, Executive Director, Just Read, Florida!, at (850) 245-
0503 or evan.lefsky@fldoe.org.
EJS/FH:hdt
cc: Regional Executive Directors
Iris Wilson
Bambi J. Lockman
Evan Lefsky
