Other countries test very differently. The US test their students more than any other country in the world. In Singapore, they have fewer assessments. The students there have open ended essay responses, problem solution, and oral responses. They have more project-based assessments which allows students to actually produce their own data and analyze it in many different ways. That’s the difference between other countries and the US because the students in the US are sitting at their desks bubbling in answers while other countries are doing more hands-on activities which provides resources to be successful in life.

I find it interesting that many scholars find that standardized test are practically useless. Studies have shown standardized test we use predict almost nothing about your success later in life. Google used to use transcripts and test scores to hire candidates but today they realized that there was no correlation between those scores and how a person performs at their job. So today if you were to apply there, Google would be trying to find out your learning ability. Which is your ability to get new information, find out how to apply it, work with others, learn from those things and find out a solution. I find that really interesting and that’s something more companies should look into and start practicing.

I have learned about RTIs during my previous semester, but never knew that they could be implemented as well as the DCPS implements theirs. I attended a private high school, so I was never able to fully experience RTIs. During my sophomore year of college, I had to complete observation hours, and the classroom I was in did something similar to the RTI programs that DCPS uses. It really interested me, and it was exciting to see how the school was implementing their RTIs.

I really liked this article and how it shows how DCPS utilizes the RTI models within their community. As an educator, it's important to know your students and their background. DCPS and its use of EBIs allow the students to receive the help that they need. Their use of EBIs not only helps students within the classroom, but also outside of the classroom as well.

I think it is great that DCPS in implementing EBIs in their schools. As an educator, it is important to be aware of any possible traumatic experiences a child has endured and how it may affect their behavior and/or academic performance. These interventions are crucial and important in providing the proper resources/assistance to students that fall into these specific categories.

In 8th grade, I was placed into Algebra 1 because I was in the gifted program. The non-gifted students had RTI and from what I heard, all they did was spend 15 minutes of homework and play cards for the rest of the period. Back then, I had no idea what RTI stood for or what it meant. Was RTI simply a free period where students can do whatever? As I read this article and learned that RTI is about monitoring and collecting data in order to make decisions for a student, I realized that my elementary school failed my classmates because they were not receiving the adequate support.

I have learned about RTI in previous classes that I have taken, but I never heard of it actually being used within schools. It was very interesting to read about the way DCPS utilizes RTI, then also has a series of interventions for the students to reduce the amount of disproportionality in Special Education. I feel this is a process which is very useful, and should be implemented within other school districts.

The EBI's mentioned in the article are really interesting interventions, and I think these types of interventions would be amazing in every school district around the nation. Implementing these interventions throughout multiple schools would be useful for a large population of students.

This article mentions a lot of very important ideas. For example, I really like how they mention a lot about the RTI steps they take and how important it is to start intervention early. The district also makes it a point to be aware of all the risk kids face and ways to deal with mental health issues. The DCPS mental health team continues to develop ways to reduce disproportionality.

I really liked how the DCPS mentioned that their goal as a school district is to ensure that every DCPS school provides a world-class education that prepares all students, regardless of background or circumstance, for success in college, career, and life. I like this because it is very important with the diverse culture that exist within our school systems. And to have a district have their goal to include every type of student is very important!