Tier 3 refers to intensive intervention for students who have not responded adequately to at least one round of Tier 2 instruction or who are significantly below grade level in reading. This small percentage of students usually have severe reading difficulties and require instruction that is more explicit, more intensive, and specifically designed to meet individual needs in the areas of word study, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing. Tier 3 instruction is employed in Tier 3 Special Education classrooms, but can also be provided to students who do not qualify for Special Education, but have not shown progress in Tier 2 instruction.