Tier 1 

Tier 1 is strong classroom instruction delivered to all students.  This foundational level of support is intended to meet the diverse learning needs of most students.  If more than 20% of students do not meet benchmarks, it may be necessary to determine if the core curriculum is being implemented with fidelity and/or if evidence-based instructional practices are being utilized. 

In Fairfield, strong core instruction means teachers are using high-leverage, evidence-based strategies that engage all students.  It is a proactive and preventative approach that aims to address the majority of students' learning needs before more intensive interventions are required. 

Elements of Tier I academic support include:

• Curriculum Alignment: The curriculum in Tier 1 is aligned with state standards and grade-level expectations. 

• Universal Screeners: Schools often use universal screening assessments in Tier 1 to identify students who may require additional support. Do we want to give FCSD examples?

• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Data is collected and analyzed to inform instructional decisions. Teachers use formative assessment data to adjust their teaching and provide timely interventions as needed.

• Universal, Quality Teaching Practices: Tier 1 instruction emphasizes research-based teaching practices, such as clear learning objectives, engaging instructional strategies, formative assessment, and timely feedback. Teachers use differentiated instructional strategies to address the varying readiness levels, learning styles, and interests of students to maximize student engagement and understanding.  In Fairfield, teachers should strive to have students reading, writing, and speaking daily.  

• Tier 1 Interventions: Some students may need supplemental Tier 1 interventions to reinforce core concepts. These interventions are typically short-term and can be implemented by the classroom teacher. Examples include additional practice, reteaching, or small-group instruction within the regular classroom.

• Collaboration & Collective Efficacy: Collaboration among teachers, special educators, and support staff is encouraged to ensure that the needs of all students are being addressed effectively. Teams meet to discuss individual student progress and share strategies for improving instruction.

• Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Teachers and building leadership regularly monitor the effectiveness of Tier 1 instruction and make adjustments as needed to improve student outcomes.  

Tier 2

Tier 2 academic interventions are additional supports and strategies provided to students who require extra assistance to meet academic expectations. These interventions are typically designed for students who are struggling with academic skills and concepts but are not considered to be in need of intensive, individualized interventions. 

Tier 3

Tier 3 academic interventions within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) are designed to address the needs of students who are facing the most significant academic challenges and are not making sufficient progress with Tier 1 (universal) and Tier 2 (targeted) interventions. These interventions involve highly individualized, intensive, and data-driven support to help students overcome their academic difficulties and make meaningful progress in their learning. Collaboration among educators and ongoing progress monitoring are key components of this tier to ensure that interventions are effective and responsive to the student's needs. 

Tier 1

Tier 1 is providing regular, proactive instruction to students and putting processes in place to promote positive behavior in the classrooms and school-wide. These foundational practices are intended to meet the diverse needs of most students.

In Fairfield, each school has clearly defined behavioral expectations and a school-wide system as a preventative approach to behavior management. The Fairfield middle schools use the LiveSchool app to track student behavior, provide students and parents with feedback on student behavior, and reward positive behavior.

Below are effective Tier 1 behavior strategies to promote positive behavior:

• Tier 1 Behavior Instruction: Teachers, administrators, counselors, and other staff provide direct instruction on school behavior expectations. This instruction includes modeling and practicing desired behaviors.

• Clear Expectations: Behavioral expectations are clearly and regularly communicated to students from the beginning of the school year. Staff ensure that students understand what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable in all environments and across various situations. Behavioral expectations are posted throughout the school building and reviewed regularly.

• Clear Routines: Staff utilize classroom and school routines that are consistent with behavioral expectations and reviewed periodically.

• Positive Reinforcement: Students are given consistent positive reinforcement in the form of praise and rewards to recognize and reinforce positive behavior. When giving LiveSchool points, clearly communicate to students what behavior earned them the points.

• Collaboration and Collective Efficacy: Collaboration among teachers, special educators, and support staff is encouraged to ensure that the behavioral needs of all students are being addressed effectively. Teams meet to discuss individual student progress and share strategies for improving behavioral instruction.

• Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Teachers and building leadership regularly monitor the effectiveness of Tier 1 behavioral instruction and make adjustments as needed to improve student outcomes. 

Tier 2

Tier 2 behavioral supports are put into place for students who need additional assistance to meet the behavioral expectations. These supports are skill-based and designed to help build behavioral skills in those students who struggle to meet behavioral expectations consistently but are not in need of intensive, individualized assistance.  Data is used to drive decisions related to Tier 2 supports, including office referral and Liveschool data. 

Tier 3

Tier 3 behavioral supports are designed to address the needs of those students whose behavior significantly interferes with their learning and are not making sufficient progress with Tier 1 (universal) and Tier 2 (targeted) interventions. Data is used to drive decisions related to Tier 3 supports. In Tier 3, the supports are intensive and individualized to help improve behavior outcomes. A collaborative, team-based approach is used to identify and implement the supports that best meet the needs of the student. On-going progress monitoring ensures that interventions are effective and responsive to the student's needs.

Tier 1:

Tier 1 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is provided school-wide to all students. The purpose is to support the whole student by building knowledge, skills, and attitudes to appropriately manage their emotions, make responsible decisions, and maintain healthy relationships.

In Fairfield’s middle schools, students have access to Advisory each day to learn coping skills and social skills. The Positivity Project will be the SEL curriculum used during Advisory. Additionally during advisory, students will be provided with instruction on social inclusion, violence prevention, and suicide prevention from the Sandy Hook Promise.

Elements of Tier 1 SEL support:

• Explicit SEL Instruction: Schools provide daily access to instruction on various SEL topics provided by classroom teachers.

• School counselors: All students have access to a school counselor to provide support and guidance when needed.

• Positive Relationships: All school staff members build a positive rapport with students and encourage them to build positive relationships with their peers. Staff create a classroom and school culture that values kindness, respect, and cooperation.

• Collaboration and Collective Efficacy: Collaboration among teachers, special educators, and support staff is encouraged to ensure that the needs of all students are being addressed effectively. Teams meet to discuss individual student progress and share strategies for improving SEL instruction.

• Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Teachers and building leadership regularly monitor the effectiveness of Tier 1 SEL instruction and make adjustments as needed to improve student outcomes. 

Tier 2:

Tier 2 SEL targeted support for those students who need additional SEL skill-building beyond what is provided in Tier 1. This additional instruction and assistance is often provided in a small group setting. Fairfield City Schools may partner with outside organizations to provide Tier 2 supports, including Envision Partnerships. 

Tier 3:

Tier 3 SEL targeted supports are designed to address the needs of students who are facing the most significant SEL challenges and for those who are not making sufficient progress with Tier 1 and Tier 2 SEL supports. These interventions involve highly individualized, intensive, and data-driven support to help students overcome their SEL difficulties. Fairfield City Schools may partner with outside organizations to provide Tier 3 supports, including New Path, Catalyst Counseling, and the Butler County ESC.