Tag Archives | Kathleen Wilcox

Wilcox, Kathleen A., Elizabeth Murakami-Ramalho, and Angela Urick. “Just-in-time Pedagogy: Teachers’ Perspectives on the Response to Intervention Framework.” Journal of Research in Reading 36, no. 1 (February 2013): 75–95. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9817.2011.01494.x.

Abstract: The purpose of this mixed methods research is to examine teachers’ perspectives on the response to intervention (RTI) framework and its implementation in Michigan and Texas schools. Both states have been leaders in literacy, increasing preservice and in-service teacher certification standards and developing similar batteries for assessing literacy skills. Using the International Reading Association’s RTI principles, the following question directed this inquiry: what are the perspectives of teachers in various educational, geographic, economic and cultural settings of the RTI? The research was developed through questionnaires, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that teacher professional development, assessments and collaboration for instruction were highly integrated themes when developing RTI strategies as reforming practice and increasing student literacy. Michigan and Texas teachers were more confident and comfortable in measuring and identifying students with reading difficulties over their ability to prevent learning disabilities through their instruction.

Murakami-Ramalho, Elizabeth and Kathleen A. Wilcox. “Response to Intervention Implementation: A Successful Principal’s Approach.” Journal of Educational Administration 50, no. 4 (2012): 483-500. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09578231211238602.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the implementation of response to intervention (RTI) in elementary schools. RTI is a systematic and comprehensive teaching and learning process intended to identify and prevent student academic failure through differentiated or intensified instruction. Design/methodology/approach – Using an exploratory case study approach, this study observes the philosophical shift from removing students from the classroom for testing and remedial instruction, to incorporating a three-tiered intervention approach beginning with the classroom teacher. Findings – Findings show the strategies one principal used to implement RTI practices using a whole-organization structured approach. Teachers and administrators jointly planned the strategies and created venues conducive for the intervention students needed to meet district, local, and national academic expectations. Research limitations/implications – Research implications relate to the limited sample a single-case study can provide. Nonetheless, the case brings useful steps at an administrative level in building successful structures for the focused improvement of teaching and learning processes. Practical implications – Case studies provide a venue for practitioners and researchers to analyze possible approaches based on real examples. This study demonstrates possibilities in the adaptation of mandates to work on behalf of the improvement of children. Originality/value – This study is significant since there is a growing interest in adopting RTI processes in several countries around the world and in providing possible models of implementation for practitioners and researchers.