Experts Detail New Strategies for Mathematics Classrooms

Bloomington, Ind. (June 18, 2019)—In Best Practices at Tier 2—published by Solution Tree—authors Bob Sonju, Sharon V. Kramer, Mike Mattos and Austin Buffum provide secondary educators with fundamental practices and tools for implementing interventions at Tier 2 of the RTI at Work™ process.

“These interventions should not require hiring additional staff, buying additional resources, or extending the school day,” explain the authors in the book’s introduction. “Instead, these processes show you how to use your current time and resources in more targeted, effective ways. School staff should not work harder, but collectively smarter.”

The resource is part of a three-book series on best instructional practices for each tier of the RTI process:

• TIER 1
  A coherent and viable core curriculum that embeds ongoing monitoring for all students
• TIER 2
  Immediate and targeted interventions systematically applied and monitored for any students not achieving
• TIER 3
  Intensive interventions focused on closing gaps

To provide in-depth support to educators, each chapter of Best Practices at Tier 2 focuses on select foundational principles of effective Tier 2 interventions and is divided into four sections: Why We Need to Do Things Differently, Here’s How, Big Ideas and Key Considerations Rubric.

Brad Baker, principal of Shorecliffs Middle School in California, highly recommends the book, explaining, “Best Practices at Tier 2 is an outstanding educational resource . . . The authors make a compelling case for the why behind the need for targeted interventions and simplify the difference between levels of support. Furthermore, the detailed descriptions, strategies and real-world scenarios make this book the difference maker!”

Best Practices at Tier 2 and its companion title Best Practices at Tier 1 are available to order at SolutionTree.com.

About the Authors

Bob Sonju is an award-winning educational leader and educational consultant recognized for his energetic commitment to building effective teams, developing RTI structures that support teachers and students and creating effective school culture committed to student learning. He is currently executive director of learning and development for Washington County School District.

Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, knows firsthand the demands and rewards of working in a professional learning community. As a leader in the field, she emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Dr. Kramer served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.

Austin Buffum, EdD, has 38 years of experience in public schools. His many roles include serving as former senior deputy superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District in California. Dr. Buffum has delivered presentations and trainings on the RTI at Work™ model in over 500 schools and districts around the world.

Mike Mattos, an internationally recognized author, presenter and practitioner, specializes in uniting teachers, administrators and support staff to transform schools. Mike is a former principal of Marjorie Veeh Elementary School and Pioneer Middle School in California, where he helped create cultures of success, improving learning for all students.

Learn more about Solution Tree.