Empowering schools with data-driven intervention strategies

What is RTI/MTSS?

RTI (Response to Intervention) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) are systematic approaches designed to support student learning by continuously collecting data and implementing differentiated interventions. These frameworks help identify students who need additional support and provide targeted solutions to ensure academic success.

RTI focuses primarily on academic support and intervention.
MTSS takes a broader approach, incorporating both academic and behavioral support systems.

ReadBasix MTSS: Beyond Tiers

In effective MTSS practice, educators prefer fluid, skill-specific instructional groups over fixed RTI tier labels. Tiers define support intensity; groups reflect students’ current needs in foundational reading skills. This approach keeps placements temporary and evolving, avoids stigmatizing labels, enables precise data-driven adjustments, and — most importantly — drives measurable progress.

ReadBasix delivers nationally normed data aligned with the Science of Reading, giving secondary educators evidence-based insights. It automatically assigns students to targeted MTSS groups based on performance across foundational skills.

The Capti Literacy Team partners with your staff through guided Data Review Sessions. We help interpret ReadBasix results, refine group assignments, and select evidence-based interventions — lightening workload for literacy teams and speeding impactful decisions. We integrate with your existing practices or help launch MTSS from the ground up.

Key components of an effective
RTI/MTSS strategy

To build a successful intervention system, schools need reliable student growth data. Here's how each of the five assessment methods integrates into MTSS:

Universal screening

Identifying student needs early

Purpose

Detect students at risk before significant challenges arise.
Role in MTSS

Provides an initial checkpoint to identify students needing additional support.
How it works

ReadBasix conducts quick, research-based screenings to assess comprehension, fluency, and sentence processing, ensuring no student is overlooked.

Benchmark testing

Measuring growth & accountability

Purpose

Track student progress at key intervals throughout the year.
Role in MTSS

Helps educators monitor learning trends and adjust strategies to support student achievement.
How it works

ReadBasix offers periodic assessments that provide detailed insights into student performance and academic growth.

Diagnostic evaluation

Identifying specific strengths & weaknesses

Purpose

Conduct in-depth evaluations to pinpoint specific learning gaps.
Role in MTSS

Helps create individualized intervention plans based on detailed diagnostic data.
How it works

ReadBasix provides targeted subtests that analyze various aspects of reading, allowing educators to tailor support effectively.

Progress monitoring

Ensuring interventions are effective

Purpose

Measure the impact of interventions over time.
Role in MTSS

Enables educators to adapt instructional strategies in real-time based on ongoing student progress.
How it works

ReadBasix assesses student development every 6-8 weeks, providing actionable data to refine intervention efforts.

Lexile measurement

Matching students with the right texts

Purpose

Ensure students are engaging with reading materials suited to their skill level.
Role in MTSS

Supports literacy development by providing appropriately challenging reading materials.
How it works

ReadBasix calculates Lexile levels using three key subtests—sentence processing, reading efficiency, and reading comprehension—to guide text selection.

Dyslexia screening

Identifying characteristics of dyslexia

Purpose

Flag persistent word-level reading difficulties that may indicate dyslexia.
Role in MTSS

Supports early identification and targeted interventions for students at risk of dyslexia
How it works

ReadBasix uses subtests focused on phonological decoding and sight word recognition—key indicators of dyslexia risk—to identify low accuracy or automaticity in word-level skills. Results from screening, diagnostics, and progress monitoring guide structured literacy supports and further evaluation (not a formal clinical diagnosis).