1. What is Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) ?
Multi-tiered systems of supports, known as MTSS, are a framework meant to support students in achieving their best possible academic and social-emotional outcomes. MTSS models include tiers of instructional and other kinds of support, so that all students can make progress by getting the kind of education that meets their needs.
Generally, MTSS has three tiers.
Tier 1 is core instruction, which all students receive. Most MTSS models say that 80 percent of students should have their instructional needs met through Tier 1. Tier 1 should also include social-emotional learning.
At Tier 2, schools should provide small group instruction for students struggling to learn at Tier 1. Tier 2 can include behavioral or mental health supports, if necessary. Of the 20 percent of students who need Tier 2 interventions, 15 percent should have their educational needs met at Tier 2.
For the five percent of students who don’t respond to Tier 2, schools can offer Tier 3, or intensive intervention, individualized based on each student’s needs. There is no specific program, but Tier 3 should be based on evaluating why a student is struggling and meeting their academic and social-emotional needs. It should be noted, Tier III does not mean special education.
2. What should I do if my son or daughter needs more help?
If you believe your child is struggling, start by talking with your child’s teacher. Ask about the curriculum, assessments, and interventions being used, and inquire about your child’s progress. Participate in conferences and other school meetings, and support learning at home by reviewing and assisting with homework. Be sure to celebrate your child’s successes and ask teachers about your child’s strengths as well as what strategies are working in the classroom. We value the important role parents play in promoting positive student growth across all developmental areas. If you feel that additional support is needed, speak with your child’s teacher or principal about scheduling a Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting. The SIT is a problem-solving team designed to address academic or behavioral concerns. Depending on your child’s grade level, the team may include a variety of school professionals along with you, the parent/guardian.
3. If my child has a medical diagnosis (e.g., ADHD), does that automatically qualify him or her for special education services in schools?
No, a medical diagnosis provided by an outside professional (e.g., doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist) does not automatically qualify a student for special education services in the State of Ohio. Medical diagnoses are typically based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, whereas educational eligibility is determined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). For example, there is no direct educational category that corresponds exactly to a medical diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Some students with an ADHD diagnosis may qualify for special education services under one or more of Ohio’s educational disability categories (e.g., Other Health Impairment). Others may qualify for support through a 504 Plan, while some may not qualify for either special education services or a 504 Plan. Ultimately, a student’s eligibility is determined not by the medical diagnosis alone, but by the educational needs demonstrated in the school setting.
If a parent shares a medical diagnosis with the Waterloo Local School District, the district is required to consider the diagnosis as new information for the purposes of educating the child. For example, Waterloo Local School District may offer to meet with the parent(s) and/or speak with the outside professional in order to consider the information. If your son or daughter has received a medical diagnosis, and you believe this condition may be impacting their performance at school, please consult with your child's teacher and principal to determine the next steps. A Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting may be arranged in order to have a relevant school-based team consider the medical diagnosis and its implications with you. Please bring any outside medical reports or other documentation with you to the SIT meeting.