ABSTRACT
An Response to Intervention (RTI) approach for delivering instruction requires different demands of general and special education teachers, as well as preparation to address these demands. Nearly all states, or at least districts within those states, are using some approach to RTI or Multi-tiered Systems of Support to prevent and intervene in instruction, and many states are using a similar approach to intervene in behavior. To improve the academic achievement of students in RTI frameworks, general and special education teachers must have knowledge of reading and math curricula, and interventions in these areas. Teacher educators have used lesson study to provide preservice teachers with opportunities to apply what they are learning in coursework. Teacher residency programs were initially established in response to the longstanding challenges of how to recruit, prepare and retain teachers in high-need urban schools. There were several distinct advantages of this residency program.
