Social Behavior Assessment and Response to Intervention

Abstract

This chapter presents information on assessment strategies for social behaviors in schools that may be used in a problem-solving approach that incorporates response to intervention (RTI). As a point of communication, although many associate RTI solely as a method for identifying and qualifying students for special education services, this chapter discusses RTI within the context of a problem-solving approach. The “interventions” in RTI can be thought of as general education curriculum and instruction, interventions for students at risk of academic or behavior problems, or interventions that are intense enough to warrant special education funding. Thus, this chapter does not focus solely on RTI as an eligibility tool. The importance of the assessment of social behaviors in a problem-solving or RTI approach will be presented along with a detailed description of specific measures and example applications. The use of RTI with social behaviors will also be critiqued, along with suggestions for future directions for the field.