Introduction
In this final post of our series exploring the alignment between John Hattie’s Visible Learning and Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE pedagogy, we will examine how the I-CRAVE methodology is specifically designed to support a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, an evidence-based approach for addressing student learning needs.
Understanding Response to Intervention (RTI)
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to providing support for students who are struggling academically or behaviourally. It involves high-quality instruction and universal screening of all students in the general education classroom (Tier 1). Students who do not make adequate progress in Tier 1 receive targeted, evidence-based interventions in small groups (Tier 2). Students who continue to struggle may receive more intensive, individualised support (Tier 3). RTI is well-supported by educational research, including that synthesised in Visible Learning, for its effectiveness in addressing student learning needs. Visible Learning: The Sequel clearly lists “Response to Intervention,” confirming its discussion within the book.
I-CRAVE’s Alignment with RTI
The Maths Australia I-CRAVE pedagogy is specifically designed to align with and support a Response to Intervention framework. Its structure and principles are highly compatible with the key components of an effective RTI model.
The initial “Identify” stage of I-CRAVE is a fundamental element of RTI. This stage involves using assessments to determine a student’s “current level of mastery” and “hence where to begin”. This serves as a built-in diagnostic tool, crucial for identifying students who may require intervention by assessing their current mastery level. This aligns with the universal screening aspect of Tier 1 in RTI.
The emphasis within I-CRAVE on “Explicit instruction at every step,” “Mastery before progression,” “Systematic instruction,” and “Regular and Cumulative review” provides the essential components for delivering high-quality Tier 1 instruction. This explicit, systematic, and mastery-based instruction provides a strong foundation for effective teaching for all students, which is the base of the RTI pyramid. Visible Learning also emphasises “The Importance of Effective Teaching Practices” and notes that “The larger effects are under the control of the teacher (d=0.44)”, highlighting the teacher’s crucial role in delivering quality instruction within an RTI model.
The ongoing review and mastery checks within I-CRAVE allow for continuous progress monitoring. This is a critical component of RTI, enabling teachers to identify students who are not making adequate progress in Tier 1 and require targeted support in Tier 2 or Tier 3. By consistently checking for understanding and ensuring mastery before moving on, I-CRAVE provides the data needed to inform instructional decisions and identify students who may need additional intervention.
Furthermore, the I-CRAVE pedagogy’s focus on “Understanding Learning and Learners” is key to identifying students who require intervention. By understanding how students learn and where they are in their understanding, teachers using I-CRAVE are well-equipped to identify learning gaps and provide appropriate support.
The justification for I-CRAVE’s alignment with RTI, is that the I-CRAVE methodology provides a robust pedagogical approach that facilitates the key components of an effective Response to Intervention model. This allows educators to identify and support students based on their specific learning needs, thereby improving outcomes for all students.
Conclusion
Response to Intervention is an essential framework for ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed. Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE pedagogy is intentionally designed to align with and support an RTI model. Through its “Identify” stage, explicit and systematic instruction, mastery-based progression, and ongoing review, I-CRAVE provides teachers with the tools to deliver high-quality Tier 1 instruction, monitor student progress, and identify students who require additional intervention. This strong alignment underscores how I-CRAVE can be a powerful tool within an RTI framework to improve mathematical outcomes for all learners.
Support every student with confidence—explore our training to implement RTI effectively using the I-CRAVE approach. To learn more about our training, visit mathsaustralia.com.au/training