What is Core?

Core or Tier 1 serves as the foundation for the entire MTSS framework and grounds our work in the Boise School District's learner-centered system. Core begins with universal instruction using research based curriculum and materials, providing support to ALL students in the general education setting. 

The use of universal screeners allow educators to be preventative and proactive in assessing all students to detect those who may need additional support.  This tier is designed to meet the needs of students through differentiation and instructional strategies that support diverse learning needs. 

A critical element of Tier 1 is the integration of formative assessments, which play a key role in identifying students' strengths and potential challenges early on. In our learner-centered system, teachers utilize these evidence-driven insights to tailor the research-based curriculum to address various learning styles, abilities, and needs, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, evidence-based practices. 

These tools enable teachers to adjust instruction proactively and ensure that learning is personalized, responsive to each student's progress, and preventive of gaps. Core or Tier 1 instruction is most effective when it is grounded in academic rigor and challenge, a strong sense of connectedness and belonging, and a responsive learning culture.