What Is MTSS?
What Is MTSS?
Embedded Files
MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It’s a schoolwide, data-driven process we use to identify and respond to students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
At WTJ, we:
Screen all students regularly to ensure we catch learning or behavioral challenges early.
Use targeted interventions based on student data.
Monitor student progress and adjust supports as needed.
Collaborate as a team (including you as the parent!) to make decisions in the best interest of your child.
Our MTSS team meets regularly to review student data and ensure each student gets the support they need to succeed.
MTSS: The Three Tiers of Student Support
MTSS: The Three Tiers of Student Support
At WTJ, we believe that every child deserves the right level of support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through our MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework, we use a tiered approach to match interventions to student needs based on ongoing data and collaboration.
Tier 1 – Core Instruction for All Students
Tier 1 – Core Instruction for All Students
What it is:
Tier 1 includes the high-quality, evidence-based instruction and positive behavior supports that every student receives in the general education classroom. This tier is focused on prevention and early identification.
Key Features:
Delivered to 100% of students
Aligned to grade-level standards
Includes differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning styles
Uses proactive classroom management and schoolwide expectations
Incorporates universal screening (e.g., reading/math screeners, behavior observations)
Goal:
To ensure all students are engaged and making progress in a supportive learning environment.
Tier 2 – Targeted Small Group Interventions
Tier 2 – Targeted Small Group Interventions
What it is:
Tier 2 provides additional support to students who are not making adequate progress with Tier 1 alone. These students receive targeted interventions in small groups.
Key Features:
Typically serves about 10–15% of students
Interventions happen in small groups (3–5 students)
Students receive support twice a week for 20 minutes per session
Focused on specific skill deficits (e.g., phonics, math facts, social skills)
Delivered in addition to Tier 1 instruction
Includes regular progress monitoring to check for improvement
Goal:
To close skill gaps through focused, short-term interventions and move students back to Tier 1 once sufficient progress is made.
Tier 3 – Intensive, Individualized Support
Tier 3 – Intensive, Individualized Support
What it is:
Tier 3 is designed for students with more significant or persistent needs. These students require intensive, individualized interventions that are tailored to their unique learning or behavioral challenges.
Key Features:
Typically serves about 1–5% of students
Interventions are one-on-one or in very small groups (1–3 students)
Students receive support three times per week for 30 minutes per session
Highly focused and frequent, research-based, and matched to the student’s specific area of need (e.g., reading fluency, behavior regulation, number sense)
Based on a deep analysis of student data (e.g., diagnostic assessments, functional behavior assessments)
Progress is monitored frequently (weekly)
Goal:
To provide the intensive support needed for meaningful growth and success—while collaborating closely with families and specialists.
📊 How We Decide a Tier Placement
📊 How We Decide a Tier Placement
Student data is at the heart of our MTSS process. We use:
Universal screeners (e.g., MAP, FastBridge, Amira)
Classroom performance
Teacher observations
Behavior data
Family input
Students may move up or down tiers depending on their progress, response to intervention, and overall needs.
🔔 Tier Notification Process
🔔 Tier Notification Process
We believe in keeping families informed when students receive additional support through MTSS.
Tier 2:
If your child is placed in Tier 2, you will receive a notification letter and ongoing progress updates with each report card.Tier 3:
If your child is moved to Tier 3, I (Ms. Hunt, SST/504 Coordinator) will contact you directly to schedule an SST meeting to discuss next steps and supports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to give consent for MTSS interventions?
No formal consent is required for Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports, but families will be notified when a student begins Tier 2 and involved in planning for Tier 3 through the SST process.
Do students lose core classroom instruction if they’re in Tier 2 or Tier 3?
Do students lose core classroom instruction if they’re in Tier 2 or Tier 3?
No. Interventions are designed to supplement, not replace classroom instruction. Your child still receives the full grade-level curriculum while also getting extra targeted support.
Who provides MTSS interventions?
Who provides MTSS interventions?
Interventions are delivered by trained staff members such as classroom teachers, EIP (Early Intervention Program) teachers, intervention specialists, counselors, or paraprofessionals. All interventions are evidence-based and monitored for effectiveness.
Can families be involved in the MTSS process?
Can families be involved in the MTSS process?
Yes—absolutely! Your input is vital. We encourage families to share observations, ask questions, and attend SST meetings. Collaboration between home and school is key to student success.
📎 MTSS – Helpful Resources
📎 MTSS – Helpful Resources
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