What is the first step to take for struggling students before any formal testing?

The first step for addressing the needs of struggling students, prior to formal testing, is to conduct Response to Intervention (RTI) interventions. RTI is a proactive and systematic approach designed to identify students at risk for academic failure and provide them with targeted support and interventions. This process allows educators to recognize and address learning difficulties early on, providing necessary intervention before any formal assessments.

By implementing RTI, schools can tailor their strategies to meet the specific needs of each student, collecting data on their progress and adjusting interventions accordingly. This approach emphasizes continuous monitoring and support, ensuring that students receive the resources they need to improve their academic performance. Through tiered interventions, educators can identify which strategies are effective for individual students, making it a vital first step in supporting their learning journey.

In contrast, the other options may not effectively focus on early intervention before formal testing. Seeking alternative school placements or inviting parents to meetings are more situational responses rather than preventive measures. Similarly, implementing strategies from an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) typically applies to students already diagnosed with specific learning disabilities, rather than serving as a first step for all struggling students. Therefore, RTI stands out as the best initial response to support students facing challenges in their learning.