STEEP

System to Enhance Educational Performance

STEEP (System to Enhance Educational Performance) is an evidenced-based process which allows schools to systematically evaluate the achievement of all students.  All students in a school are screened. Students whose needs are not being met by the core curriculum (i.e. Tier One) are provided additional assistance by general education in the form of supplemental instruction at Tier Two.   Tier Two is typically effective for 90% or more of the students.  If supplemental instruction does not improve learning, then students are considered for even more intensive intervention matched specifically to their needs. Continued "resistance" to intervention by a student may help the school-based team document the need for special education. STEEP then also provides a way to integrate services within NCLB and IDEA. It has been shown to improve overall student achievement and to thereby reduce the need for special education services. STEEP incorporates universal screening, intervention, and progress monitoring. STEEP is a Response to Intervention (RTI) model that helps schools determine a students needs and to match an appropriate intervention to the student. 

This site is primarily a means to increase awareness of and share research about STEEP.  The site is dedicated to evidenced based practice to improve learning.  

Additional Information

Contact Information for Joe Witt

Additional information about STEEP Research, Training and Service is available by contacting Dr. Joseph Witt.  Dr Witt no longer maintains an office at LSU.  Correspondence, in the form of an email should be directed to Joe Witt:

Email:  Joe@JoeWitt.org

Web site:  www.JoeWitt.org

Research

For research information and articles pertaining to STEEP, click here. 

Links to Web Sites

• STEEP.  For links to other STEEP, and related, web sites click here.

Interventions

• Scientifically Based Interventions Web Site. Numerous proven and practical strategies in Reading, Math, Writing and other areas, can be found at the Scientifically Based Interventions site:  www.GoSBR.net. Researchers share "coach cards" and step-by-step directions for administering interventions. 

• Reading Center.  This is an evidenced based and research based reading intervention.  This intervention is a combination of strategies including listening passage preview and repeated readings.  Click here for the intervention. 

• Intervention Central.  A good source of practical, research based interventions, is www.interventioncentral.org.  Interventions in many areas can be obtained without cost.

• Florida Center for Reading Research.  This site contains independent reviews of many reading interventions.  The "activity" section of the site has practical teaching activities that are available at no cost.  Click here:  www.fcrr.org

Screening

• Scientifically Based Screening.  Early screening, combined with intervention, in academic areas has been shown to yield numerous benefits.   A research based screening instrument, the K-CBM, can be accessed by clicking here and then the assessment and screening link.  The K-CBM is similar to DIBELS in that it is designed for younger students.  It differs from DIBELS in that it is group administered, which makes it more efficient but with similar results.  Beyond reading, it contains assessments for math and writing.  The Scientifically Based Research site (www.GoSBR.net) contains additional information. 

Progress Monitoring

• Researcher developed probes for progress monitoring in reading are contained in the reading intervention noted below or by clicking here. 

Reading Probes and Intervention Materials

If you are seeking to download the reading intervention and progress monitoring materials noted on www.interventioncentral.org and elsewhere, please click HERE