Which of the following is a process used to identify struggling students and provide them with targeted, researched-based instruction and strategies to help them catch up?

• A. Response to Intervention
• B. Full and individual initial evaluation
• C. Behavioral intervention plan
• D. Functional behavioral assessment

Answer: (A)

Response to Intervention is a systematic, data-driven framework used to identify students who are struggling and provide them with targeted, evidence-based instruction. It begins with high-quality universal instruction for all students and universal screening to flag those at risk. When a student is identified, they receive targeted interventions at increasing levels of intensity (tiers), with progress monitored regularly to determine whether the student is catching up, needs more intensive support, or should shift strategies. The emphasis on using research-based instructional methods and ongoing data to guide decisions is what helps struggling learners make gains without immediately moving to a formal special education evaluation. The other options address different processes: a full and individualized initial evaluation is used to determine eligibility for special education; a behavioral intervention plan and a functional behavioral assessment focus on behavior management rather than academic catch-up through targeted instruction.