The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) recognizes the impact that Response to Intervention (RTI) can have on the education of all children, roles of special educators, as well as on the special education system. Special educators play an integral role and have a strong and clear identity in the RTI process. As such, this brief presents CEC's belief that any RTI process must include non-negotiable guarantees related to special education and the key role of special educators. CEC insists that RTI must be a school-wide initiative, of which special education is an integral part, and that RTI must not delay the referral of a child who is suspected of having a disability for a comprehensive evaluation. This brief presents CEC's positions on the RTI process as they relate to interventions, referral to special education, team roles, children who are twice exceptional, professional knowledge and skills, research and development, and resources.