What is MTSS?

The Upper School at the American School of Madrid has adopted a Multi-Tiered Support System in order to respond quickly and appropriately when any student is identified as having a barrier to learning. Barriers to learning are problems or situations that can prevent learners from accessing programs, make it difficult for learners to go to class, or make it hard for them to concentrate and learn.

While RtI (Response to Intervention) focuses on academics, and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention System) focuses on behavior, the MTSS incorporates both to focus on the “whole child" by addressing academics, behavior, emotional health, and absenteeism. Individual student progress is monitored and results are used to make decisions about further intervention or instruction. The MTSS process is designed to meet the needs of all students.

Here’s an outline of the three tiered system:

Tier 1: All students are in this tier; teachers use research based, universally designed instructional practices. Students may work in small groups based on their strengths and areas of need. The school monitors academic and social progress, and students who are struggling may move to Tier 2.

Tier 2: In addition to Tier 1 supports, students qualifying for Tier 2 support receive a goal-oriented intervention plan; each plan identifies specific behavioral or academic concerns. This tier also includes students who qualify for special services but are not enrolled in a Resource class; additional services may include placement in a Resource class and/or in a co-taught general education class. A student who isn’t making progress may stay in Tier 2 or move to Tier 3.

Tier 3: Students in Tier 3 receive more intensive support than their peers in Tiers 1 and 2 and are enrolled in a Resource Class. This tier can mean small group work or individual lessons. Students receiving Tier 3 services have psychoeducational evaluations.