GIFTED AND TALENTED RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION TO AID IN IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE OF ELEMENTARY GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS IDENTIFIED IN THE AREAS OF ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATHEMATICS IN A RURAL KENTUCKY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Author

Tatiana Y. Adams, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2020

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor

McIntyre, D

Abstract

Education reform in the United States has shifted from all students reaching proficiency to all students progressing academically regardless of their ability levels. Response to Intervention (RtI) is a three-tiered delivery model for students with exceptional needs not being met in the general classroom setting. The components of universal screening, continuous progress monitoring, implementation of interventions with fidelity, and decision making are currently implemented in many public schools throughout the nation. Implications for Gifted and Talented (GT) services are positive as the tiered structure of RtI is revised and incorporated into state policies to serve high ability students. Instead of solely focusing on behavior and remediation in academic areas, alternative methods are being developed to service students who exhibit high academic and creative abilities. The successes of RtI, its widespread implementation, and the lack of research regarding proposed GT/RtI models, revealed the need for research examining the RtI model in relation to gifted education. Through qualitative research methods, the study was conducted in a Western Kentucky school district using a descriptive research design. Data was collected, analyzed, and evaluated to gain insight into the viability of the GT/RtI model: identification of gifted students through universal screenings, decision making regarding placement of gifted students, and service options implemented to challenge and meet the intellectual, academic, and creative needs of gifted learners.