Using the RtI Pyramid with Gifted
Students
Tier 3 Intensive Level
(individual interventions,
enrichment/advancement
in specific area of study
and research).
More likely to occur
outside of general
education
May have a separate
curriculum to accelerate
learning
Mentorships
Internships
Independent research
Subject or grade
acceleration
An important part of RTI is that
individual student progress is
monitored on a regular basis to see if
the intervention or strategy is
working. For example, if we think a
group of gifted students in a general
education classroom will benefit from
curriculum compacting, how do we
know if this strategy works for an
individual student? With the RTI
approach, this student's progress is
monitored to see if he or she is
making the gains we hope for.
Tier 2 Targeted Level (Special group programming
that may extend beyond the regular classroom)
Based on needs of individual students as
determined by the data
Sufficient depth, breadth, and complexity to
increase student skills
Advanced courses
AP courses
Small group enrichment
Reader’s Theatre
Literature Clubs
Math groups
Co-curricular activities
Tier 1 Universal Level (interventions and strategies for gifted students done in the
regular classroom)
Differentiation of instruction
Small groups
Enrichment
Adaption of content, process, and product based on readiness, interest, and learning
profile
Guided by principles of respectful tasks, flexible grouping, and on going assessment
Instructional strategies may include
 Tiered assignments
 Curriculum compacting
 Open ended projects
 Learning centers
 Independent study/resident expert
 Extension menus
Enrichment and competitions (Odyssey of the Mind, Brain Bowl, etc.)