Research Article  |   September 2013
Effectiveness of a 10-Week Tier-1 Response to Intervention Program in Improving Fine Motor and Visual–Motor Skills in General Education Kindergarten Students
Alisha M. Ohl; Hollie Graze; Karen Weber; Sabrina Kenny; Christie Salvatore; Sarah Wagreich
Author Affiliations
  • Alisha M. Ohl, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn. Address correspondence to 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 81, Brooklyn, NY 11203; Alisha.ohl@downstate.edu
  • Hollie Graze, MA, OTR/L; Karen Weber, OTR/L, RYT; Sabrina Kenny, MS, OTR/L; Christie Salvatore, MS, OTR/L; and Sarah Wagreich, MS, OTR/L, are Senior Occupational Therapists, New York City Department of Education, New York
Article Information
School-Based Practice / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   September 2013
Effectiveness of a 10-Week Tier-1 Response to Intervention Program in Improving Fine Motor and Visual–Motor Skills in General Education Kindergarten Students
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2013, Vol. 67, 507-514. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.008110
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2013, Vol. 67, 507-514. doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.008110
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study examined the efficacy of a 10-wk Tier 1 Response to Intervention (RtI) program developed in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the fine motor and visual–motor skills of general education kindergarten students.

METHOD. We recruited 113 students in six elementary schools. Two general education kindergarten classrooms at each school participated in the study. Classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Fine motor skills, pencil grip, and visual–motor integration were measured at the beginning of the school year and after the 10-wk intervention.

RESULTS. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in fine motor and visual–motor skills, whereas the control group demonstrated a slight decline in both areas. Neither group demonstrated a change in pencil grip.

CONCLUSION. This study provides preliminary evidence that a Tier 1 RtI program can improve fine motor and visual–motor skills in kindergarten students.