Taking Action: A Handbook for RTI at Work™ Named a Bestseller

Bloomington, Ind. (April 18, 2018)—Taking Action: A Handbook for RTI at Work™ by Austin Buffum, Mike Mattos and Janet Malone has reached bestseller status, selling more than 10,000 units since its release in September 2017.

In the handbook, the authors cover every element of what it takes to build a successful RTI at Work™ program in schools. “Taking Action gives educators the tools they need to do the right work at a very high level,” explained Mattos. “What are the essential actions at each tier? What teams need formed? Which staff members or teams should take the lead on specific actions? We address these questions and many more in a clear, sequential manner.”

The book is divided into three parts. Part one focuses on the essential actions necessary to build a Tier 1 core instructional program, part two includes essential teacher team and schoolwide actions for Tier 2 interventions and part three addresses the schoolwide essential actions needed to plan and target Tier 3 interventions for students who need intensive remediation.

For each essential action covered in the book, the authors address the following:

• Research, evidence and rationale behind the recommended action.
• A step-by-step process to successfully implement the essential element.
• Tools needed to support the implementation process.
• Coaching tip for leadership team members.

Additionally, Buffum, Mattos and Malone examine why an achievement gap remains in 21st century education, detail why RTI works best in schools that function as a professional learning community (PLC) and break down how to avoid common implementation missteps.

The authors’ hope is for readers to understand the research, but most importantly to use their knowledge to take action. “Our profession does not build widgets, nor do we measure our success in profit margins,” state Buffum, Mattos and Malone in the book’s epilogue. “We deal in futures—the futures of our students. Every day that we get collectively better at doing the right work right, it is measured in the life of a child.”

Anthony Muhammad, a best-selling author and educational consultant, highly recommends the title, stating, “This book cuts to the chase and provides a logical, well-researched step-by-step guide. As a former principal, I wish I had a tool like this to guide me through the process of creating systems to support student learning.”

Taking Action: A Handbook for RTI at Work™ is available to order at SolutionTree.com.

About the Authors

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.

Janet Malone is former director of professional development for the Poway Unified School District in California. With experience as a teacher, principal and central office administrator, Janet connects with audiences on topics ranging from assessment and effective grading to professional learning communities, team building and more.

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