Who should Mrs. Ritter consult to set short-term academic goals for a struggling 2nd grader?

Consulting a Response to Intervention (RTI) specialist is a sound choice for setting short-term academic goals for a struggling 2nd grader. The RTI model is specifically designed to provide early and systematic assistance to students who are having difficulty with academic content. The specialist is trained to analyze student data, identify areas of need, and collaboratively create appropriate interventions and goals tailored to the student's unique challenges.

This specialist typically has expertise in assessing student performance, determining the necessary support, and implementing targeted strategies to help improve academic outcomes. They can also guide teachers on how to monitor progress continuously, ensuring that the goals set are both realistic and achievable within a short time frame.

In contrast, while the school principal, special education experts, or other classroom teachers may provide valuable insights or resources, they may not have the specific training or focus on the individualized strategies that an RTI specialist offers. Therefore, the RTI specialist is the most suitable resource for effectively addressing the academic needs of the struggling student.