IMPLEMENTING MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORTS @ JOHN HILL SCHOOL

DATA AS BASIS FOR INSTRUCTION and TIERED INTERVENTION

Instructional efforts at John Hill School are guided by student performance data and means of measuring growth that correlate with New Jersey Student Learning Standards within each grade level and content area. Based on this data, teachers differentiate instruction to optimize learning for the individual students in their care. This is accomplished by providing tiered supports according to the RTI model.

TIER 1 SUPPORTS are provided to all students in the classroom environment through differentiated instruction. Responsive supports are provided by instructors to foster academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. Tier 1 students generally account for 80-90% of the population.

TIER 2 SUPPORTS are provided where data identifies that additional support is needed than what is initially provided for all students in the classroom. Examples of Tier 2 supports include increased differentiation, intensified small group work, conferencing with the classroom teacher, and providing a more intensive focus in areas where needed. Tier 2 students generally account for 5-15% of the population.

TIER 3 SUPPORTS are planned and implemented when data indicates that, despite Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports being in place, substantial gaps exist between the performance level of a student and the grade level expectation. Tier 3 supports are the most intensive supports provided in the RTI model and involve direct instruction from an interventionist who specializes in providing multi-tiered supports for students. Tier 3 students generally account for 1-5% of the population.

Determining performance levels of students and tiering supports for them comes as the result of collecting and analyzing data from varied sources including the following...

TIER 1

New Jersey Student Learning Assessments in Math, English Language Arts, and Science (5th and 8th grade) administered 1x each year

iReady Diagnostic Assessments administered 3x per year

Quarterly Report Card Analysis

Teacher Implemented Unit and Benchmark Assessments Offered Continuously

TIER 2

All of Tier 1 assessment data as well as more intensified and skill-specific assessment data gathered by the classroom teacher.

TIER 3

All of Tier 1 and Tier 2 in addition to the development of a specific plan for the individual student to attain critical learning goals. This plan will include highly intensified instruction and skill specific assessment data gathered by an interventionist. The goal is for the student to achieve stated goals and close learning gaps so that this intensive level of support is not necessary beyond a defined period of time.

TIERED INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT STUDENT ACADEMIC GROWTH

John Hill School implements a robust curriculum that is in alignment with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The following provides an overview of how multi-tiered supports are made available to students as they explore and discover within the context of our curricular program and come to master the skills that align with our school mission of enriching the lives of students and empowering them to be impactful citizens.

TIER 1

Implementation of Boonton Public Schools Curriculum

Monitoring growth in accordance with New Jersey Student Learning Standards

Differentiating instruction and incorporating best instructional practices

TIER 2

All of Tier 1 efforts along with intensified small group instruction and conferencing with student, targeting areas in need of additional support, closely monitoring academic progress in those areas, and consultation with an interventionist to address learning needs.

TIER 3

All of Tier 1 and Tier 2 in addition highly intensified instruction in basic skills which is provided outside of the regular classroom and offered by an interventionist.

TIERED INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Multi-tiered supports are not exclusively implemented for academic purposes. Supporting students as they evidence responsible and productive behavior in school is of equal importance. The following supports are in place for student behavior needs...

TIER 1

Fostering a positive and enthusiastic learning environment founded in common principles of strong character and community.

Communicating behavioral expectations clearly.

Addressing periodic misbehaviors with students, parents/guardians, and others as necessary. This may occur through counseling services or administrative involvement.

TIER 2

All of Tier 1 in addition to increased counseling services and check-ins to more intensively reinforce positive behaviors and habits of mind.

TIER 3

All of Tier 1 and 2 in addition to the establishment of a behavior improvement plan to be agreed upon and implemented with the student, parent/guardian, counselor, teachers, and administration.

TIERED INTERVENTIONS TO FOSTER HEALTHY SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The social and emotional well being of students is a foremost concern at John Hill School and cultivating a school environment, systems of operation, and multi-tiered supports to tend to social and emotional health is a daily focus and collective effort. The following are some of the ways this is achieved...

TIER 1

Earn Your Wings Program (explain)

Classes with Counselors

Developmentally appropriate activities

TIER 2

All of Tier 1 in addition to increased communication with counseling staff, parents, and teachers.

TIER 3

All of Tier 1 and 2 in addition to high level monitoring of student well being and establishment of individual safety or well-being plans to support the student.

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