rti

RTI is an acronym with several distinct meanings across different fields. The best known interpretations are Right to Information, RTI International, and Response to Intervention in education. This article provides a concise overview of these uses.

Right to Information refers to a set of laws and norms that empower citizens to access information held by public authorities. In India, the Right to Information Act of 2005 aims to promote transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry. Any person can request information, with a small statutory fee and a response typically required within about 30 days, though certain cases may take longer. Information may be denied in full or in part under specified exemptions, such as national security, privacy, or confidential commercial data, with appeals possible to higher authorities or Information Commissions. The law also requires proactive disclosure by public bodies and maintains a framework for records management. RTI has become a central instrument for governance reform in India, though it faces challenges such as backlogs and inconsistent implementation.

RTI International, formerly the Research Triangle Institute, is a nonprofit research organization headquartered in North Carolina, United States. Founded in the late 1950s, RTI International conducts applied research and technical assistance across health, education, environment, and social policy. It works with governments, international agencies, and donors to address global development challenges, including disease control, education systems, and data-driven policy analysis.

Response to Intervention is an educational framework for identifying and supporting students with learning and behavior needs. It uses a three-tier model: Tier 1 universal instruction for all students, Tier 2 targeted interventions for at-risk students, and Tier 3 intensive, individualized interventions. The approach relies on data-based decision making, universal screening, and progress monitoring. While widely adopted, RTI implementation varies and can be resource-intensive, with concerns about fidelity and equitable access.