JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
A presentation regarding the Marion County Board of Education’s (BoE) standing with academics and behavioral support through the implementation of RTI2-A + RTI2-B frameworks was hosted during the board’s January meeting.
Kimberly Shurett, Director of Elementary Education for the county, hosted the presentation alongside Exceptional Education Director Becky Bigelow, with Shurett leading the discussion as to the board’s current stance with RTI A+B. Shurett explained the RTI program was implemented in 2014 across all districts within Tennessee, being divided into three phases servicing the three grade categories for all schools: elementary, middle, and high school.
“RTI2 is a response to not only intervention, but it’s also a response to instruction,” said Shurett. “That’s the square piece in where all our educators are really looking at all levels of students. Not just those who need remediation.”
RTI2-A + RTI2-B is a multi-tiered education system dedicated to supporting all Tennessee students with their academic and non-academic needs through leadership, decision making, assessment, as well intervention and instruction. Shurett explained through partnership with the Tennessee Tiered Supports Center, the BoE was not only awarded a Groundbreakers Award due to supportive efforts made through the RTI system, but all county schools also implemented behavioral screenings within the local system.
“At this time, it is still an option, whereas our academic screener isn’t an option for parents to opt out of,” said Shurett.
During the presentation, Shurett showcased the school district’s stats across four of the program’s main rubrics: data based decision making, leadership, assessment, and instruction and intervention. In all four rubrics, the countywide school system has received a general uptick in numbers within the RTI system since 2023, reaching the highest reported numbers during the 2024 Fall/Winter semester. Additionally, a separate graph showcasing the overall score achieved through each rubric was presented to the board, which showed a major increase in percentage across all four areas of the program.
For the new year, Shurett said all members of District 12’s RTI program are aiming to improve on communication and engagement through resource mapping, external reporting, and general reporting towards the leading school council. All involved also aim to strengthen general data routine and enhancing overall coaching and learning within the school system, ensuring all students and teachers are provided with their educational needs throughout the school year.
“We really are looking at the aspects of going into classrooms and seeing what those teachers need, and what supports they need so that we can improve our program,” said Shurett.