Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

In RTI, what indicates possible learning disabilities?

1. Quick improvement from any intervention

2. Failure to respond to research-supported interventions

3. Consistent academic performance

4. Alternating styles of learning

The correct answer is: Failure to respond to research-supported interventions

In the context of Response to Intervention (RTI), a failure to respond to research-supported interventions serves as a significant indicator of possible learning disabilities. RTI is a method used to identify students at risk for learning disabilities by monitoring their progress in response to specific instructional strategies or interventions. When a student does not show improvement despite receiving high-quality, evidence-based interventions, it suggests that the student may have underlying difficulties that warrant further evaluation for learning disabilities. This lack of response is important for educators and specialists, as it helps to distinguish between students who are struggling due to insufficient instruction and those who may have more persistent, intrinsic learning challenges. The other options describe scenarios that would not typically suggest the presence of learning disabilities. For instance, quick improvement indicates that interventions are effective, consistent academic performance suggests stability in learning, and alternating styles of learning can reflect adaptability rather than a disability. Therefore, the failure to respond to appropriate interventions is a key indicator in the identification process during RTI.