The Students as Top Priority

Response to Instruction should be used in every classroom because it puts each individual student as top priority. This is as it should be. The goal of a teacher is to unlock their student's potential and give them the tools they need to succeed in society and life.
In order to do this we have to assess our students early on to get a feel for what it is they can do. Since every student is different, there will be those who struggle and those who are not challenged by the assessment that is given. This is why teaching only by state standards will not do. State standards include information that an average student "should" know. This leaves out students on one side that will not be challenged and those who will struggle with the material given. What the RTI model does instead is have the teacher carefully chose questions and topics that will be differentiated to meet the needs of all the students. Those who struggle will get the help they need throughout the year and those who need to be challenged more will get that as well.
To be effective, teachers can not only rely on what the report cards say. Every school day poses new obstacles students need to conquer. Some will pass, some will struggle, and some will not even see an obstacle. Teacher's need to keep track of this throughout the whole year by taking notes, keeping records of individual students progress, and adapting their curriculum accordingly. By doing this, each student will get the necessary amount of help they need to pass their "obstacles". 
Using this model is not always easy for the teacher. The teachers has to research methods, keep track of how each student is doing, record their observations, adapt their lesson plans, and collaborate with other teachers who might have good solutions. This time will be worth the effort however because this will get teachers one step toward their goal.