Wheatland J1 School District

An intervention can be defined as anything a school does, above and beyond what all students receive, that helps a child succeed in school. However, effective interventions contain the following elements:

• Research-based

• Evidence-based

• Explicit

• Targeted

• Timely

• Administered by trained professionals

(Adapted from: Simplifying Response to Intervention: four Essential Guiding Principles by Buffum, Mattos and Weber, 2012) 

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) also provides recommendations regarding the definition of "intensive intervention" for the purposes of making eligibility decisions related to determining the presence of a specific learning disability.  In order for an intervention to be considered "intensive" for the purposes of eligibility determinations it must meet the following requirements: 

• Research- or Evidence-based

• Systematic or Explicit

• Used with individuals or small groups

• Focus on a single set of discrete skills 

• Targeted to the area of deficit (aligned to student need)

• Substantial number of minutes (offered in addition to the core curriculum/instruction)

• Implemented with fidelity and integrity 

• Be culturally responsive

Wheatland Center School District uses a variety of measures to engage in data-based decision making to ensure all students progress toward expected outcomes. All students are screened three times a year (fall, winter & spring) to gauge students' response to the core curriculum and instruction. Those students who are not meeting benchmarks or attaining grade-level standards will be provided additional intervention to help close this gap.We utilize the following cut-scores to place students in the appropriate groups:

• 50% and Above - Enrichment

• 21%ile-49%ile - Tier 2

• 20%ile and Below - Tier 3

The progress of each student in tier 2 and tier 3 is monitored on a consistent basis and changes are made as needed. Intervention groups are formally evaluated four times a year at student- and grade-level data meetings. Parents are notified via written letter if their child is participating in a tier 2 or tier 3 intervention. Progress monitoring reports are sent home at the end of each intervention period.

Academic Intervention Matrix 

Writing Interventions:  We are currently in the development stages regarding universal screening and measurement in the area of writing.