MTSS Basics

Parent Center

Quick Explanation of the Tiers for Parents

Tier 1

ALL students receive Tier 1 instruction & interventions.
They are high-quality teaching and positive behavior supports through differentiated instruction in a general classroom setting.
ALL parents should familiarize themselves with it.

Tier 2

Some students receive small-group instruction & interventions via Tier 2 services in addition to the core curriculum and positive behavior supports provided by Tier 1.
Parents whose student is serviced by Tier 2 have been contacted by the MTSS team. Your child was placed in a Tier 2 remediation class, or is served via Tier 2 instructions/interventions in the general classroom.

Tier 3

A few students receive individualized instruction & interventions in identified areas of need via Tier 3 services.
Parents whose student is serviced by Tier 3 have been contacted by the MTSS team. Your child was placed in one or more of the Tier 3 tutorial classes to receive 1-on-1 assistance.

The primary difference between the support your student gets on each tier is the frequency and intensity of support.

1. Tier 1 - School-wide Instruction & Interventions (100% of students)
2. Tier 2 - Targeted, Small-group Instruction & Interventions (15% of students)
3. Tier 3 - Intensive, individualized Instruction & Interventions (5% of students)

Parents Please:

1. Read this page
2. Read the "MTSS Overview" page
3. Read the "How You Can Help" page
4. Sign up for the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
5. Have your student sign up for the Infinite Campus Student Portal
6. Read the "How We Serve Your Student" page

What is the role of the parent/guardian in MTSS?

Parents play a critical role in supporting what their children are learning in school. Research has demonstrated that the more parents are involved in student learning, the higher the student achievement. Parents can be involved in the process by communicating any concerns to the child’s teacher, providing insight into their child’s learning and development, and assisting with identified interventions at home.

What is MTSS?

A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) integrates all students. It is a process that provides high-quality, research-based instruction targeted to learner needs. Needs are identified by monitoring students’ progress. Adjustments to instruction and interventions are based on students’ performance and rate of success. MTSS promotes a well-integrated system, connecting general, gifted, and special education with intervention and enrichment services. MTSS provides high-quality, standards-based instruction and intervention that is matched to students’ academic, social and behavioral needs. MTSS was previously referred to as Response to Intervention.

Potential Benefits of MTSS

Improved education for ALL students
Provides at-risk students with support earlier rather than later
Progress monitoring data yields relevant, easily understood information
Facilitates collaboration among educators, families, and community members

MTSS Key Terms

Universal Screening

A procedure in which all students are given an academic screening assessment three times per year for the purpose of identifying those students in need of specialized interventions.

Tier I (low risk)

Is considered core instruction and should meet the needs of approximately 80% of students

Tier II (moderate risk)

Is aimed to provide a focused intervention for students who are not fully responding to core instruction. Up to 15% of students may require small group instruction designed to supplement Tier I.

Tier III (high risk)

Is the most intensive level of intervention. Approximately 5% of students may need this level of individual or small-group intervention.

Progress Monitoring

A practice used to frequently assess students’ academic progress to determine the effectiveness of interventions.

Key Principles of MTSS

Early intervention
Deliver services that provide students and parents a continuum of support
Match instruction to the learners’ needs
Regularly collect and monitor progress through data to ensure the effectiveness of instruction
Utilize research-based interventions & instruction
Implement interventions consistently and correctly
Adjust interventions as necessary to maximize student learning
Encourage parent involvement throughout the child’s educational journey