'Response to Intervention' Sparks Interest, Questions

Critics say approach depends on too many complex factors.

As a demonstration site designated by Oregon as a prime example of “response to intervention” in action, the Tigard-Tualatin district has had to pare visiting groups down to no more than 25 people. During the last few visits, 50 people descended on the district just outside Portland at one time.

“We’re trying to strike a balance between efficiency for our district and, at the same time, offering something for people who want to see what we’re doing,” said David Putnam, one of the RTI project managers...