Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
A Parent Guide to Understanding MTSS
NC MTSS is a multi-tiered framework which promotes school improvement through engaging, research-based academic, and behavioral practices. All students are provided with sound research based core curriculum. This framework will help our teachers work together more efficiently, use data-driven problem solving techniques, and maximize growth for all. It is a layering of academic and behavioral supports with additional support added as needed. The overall goal is to improve instruction and better meet the individual needs of all WOES students.
What you need to know about the process:
What is MTSS?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports allows teachers to quickly identify needs of individual students or groups of students. These needs can be related to academics, behavior, or both. Teachers quickly identify the needs and the best methods to target the needs.This is a problem-solving model to analyze multiple pieces of information to determine how all students respond to classroom instruction. The overarching goal is to best meet the needs of all students. These needs may fall under the category of profound needs, exceptionally gifted, and any needs in between. This thereby ensures equitable access to a sound basic education for all of our students.
Why MTSS?
MTSS is a framework that WOES uses to provide targeted support to all students. The Tiers focus on the “whole child” and meeting a variety of needs. This includes academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs. The process has been proven effective in districts across the United States. The purpose of this proven framework is to intervene early to best meet the needs of all students.
How does MTSS work?
MTSS has three levels, or tiers, which are best described as follows:
Core/Tier 1 (Schoolwide)
Our core programming, which meets the academic and/or behavioral needs of most students at WOES. Our administrators, teachers, and specialists have undergone intensive training. They use best practices to provide a quality education to assure students are getting what they need to be successful.
Tier 2 (Targeted)
Targeted supports for the academic and/or behavioral needs of students receiving targeted research-based interventions.
Tier 3 (Intensive)
Intensive research-based supports for the academic and/or behavioral needs of students with intensive needs.
Individual Education Program (Individualized Education Plan or IEP)
Special Education supports and services appropriate for academic and/or behavioral needs of students with IEPs.
These Tiers provide a framework to more effectively identify students’ needs and challenges. With constant data reviews and discussions, students receive early leveled support. These data reviews and discussions include, but are not limited to test scores, attendance, behavioral data, and more.
What is MTSS Parent and Family Engagement?
Parent engagement is defined as:
Engaging with school personnel to better meet the learning needs of your child.
Active involvement in your child’s education.
It is important to contact school personnel when you notice your child is struggling.
Why MTSS Parent and Family Engagement?
Students with involved parents are more successful in school. A high level of family involvement is one of the common characteristics of high-performing schools (Henderson & Mapp, 2002). Students are likely to have higher grades and test scores when parents are actively involved in their academic and social needs.
*Summarized from Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 2015: For more information- http://www.ed.gov/essa
Resources
NCDPI Parents, Family, & Community Information
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/parents/