My journey into RTI began before this blog.  Last spring and earlier this fall I went to a few in-services about RTI at KISD.  I have always believed in the RTI model of early intervention so it is easy for me to agree with the program.  During our last meeting with the representatives of the 95% Group I could not help but compare how the materials they are providing us are very similar to the practices I already use in my daily reading groups but using Saxon Phonics instead.  It is interesting for me to see that a program I love and believe in aligns up so closely with "something new".  It is also amazing to me that so many of my fellow special ed teachers have the program and do not use it.  I am wondering why.  I have asked a few and they say, "Oh, but it takes so much time."  Yes, it does, but isn't it worth it?  I think I'll investigate this a bit farther and see what the rest of my colleagues are thinking.

For the past 2 weeks, I have been taking a first grade group, for 1/2 hour a day, and teaching them the phonemic awareness skills they will need to learn to become successful readers.  It is interesting to quickly see which skills they have and which skills they need to learn.

Beginning Tuesday, I am going to help our reading consultant conduct the PASSE on the first graders.  I'll let you know how it goes.