School Counselor Experiences of Response to Intervention With English Learners

Abstract

Although school counselors participate in response to intervention (RTI), little research describes the unique opportunities and challenges encountered in RTI with English learners (ELs). This phenomenological study explored the experiences of school counselors engaging in RTI for ELs. The researchers identified three themes: (a) key stakeholders impacting RTI for ELs, (b) school counselors advocating for ELs in RTI, and (c) challenges distinguishing language from learning. We include implications for school counseling practice and research.