MTSS Overview

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

At a Glance

MTSS is a framework used to provide targeted support to struggling students.
The goal of MTSS is to intervene early so students can catch up with their peers.
MTSS screens all students and aims to address academic and behavior challenges.

MTSS is used to identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child", meaning academic growth, behavior, social and emotional needs.

The tiers of support increase intensity from one level to the next. For example, a student receiving small group interventions may need to “move up” to one-on-one support.

DIVE DEEPER

Key Elements of MTSS

MTSS is a proactive approach that has key elements:

Universal screening for all students early in each school year
Increasing levels of targeted support for those who are struggling
Integrated plans that address students’ academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs
A schoolwide approach to student support, with teachers, psychologists, counselors, and other specialists working as a team to assess students and plan interventions.
Frequent monitoring of students’ progress to help decide if they need more interventions
The use of evidence-based strategies at every tier of support
Family involvement so parents and caregivers can understand the interventions and give support at home

How the Multi-Tiered Supports Work

Tier 1: The whole class. All students in the general education classroom are in this tier. Teachers use instruction that’s proven to work. Students may work in small groups based on their strengths and areas of need. Student progress is monitored and students requiring extra support may move to Tier 2.

Tier 2: Small group interventions. Students in Tier 2 still take part in Tier 1 lessons with the rest of the class, but receive additional targeted support through small group lessons (push-in or pull out model). Student progress is monitored and students requiring extra support may move to Tier 3.

Tier 3: Intensive individualized support. This tier can mean small group work or individual lessons. Most students in Tier 3 still spend a majority of the day in the general education classroom, but may receive individualized support as a pull out service.

MTSS and Special Education

The goal of MTSS is to screen early and to give support quickly. MTSS can help identify students who truly warrant special education.

A special education evaluation is typically the next step if students don’t make expected progress at the Tier 3 level. Students reach this point with proper documentation of the supports in place at each tier and the student's response to the interventions. This data can also be helpful if/when an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed.

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