Tier 1 Instruction

What is Tier 1?

Tier 1 represents high-quality, evidence-based instruction and support that is provided to all students in the general education classroom. It’s our first line of defense to ensure that every student has access to the curriculum and the tools they need to succeed.

Who Does Tier 1 Involve?

Every classroom teacher.
Tier 1 is not an “intervention program” run outside of the classroom—it’s the day-to-day teaching, strategies, and supports you provide to all students during regular instruction.

What Counts as Tier 1?

• Core curriculum aligned to state standards

• Differentiation to meet diverse learner needs

• Clear learning goals and success criteria

• Proactive classroom management and positive behavior supports

• Frequent checks for understanding and reteaching when needed
  
  

When to Move a Student to Tier 2

A student may need Tier 2 support when:

• You’ve implemented multiple Tier 1 strategies consistently over time

• You’ve collected data showing the student is not making expected progress

• The gap between the student’s performance and grade-level expectations is widening

In short: Tier 2 is considered only after documented Tier 1 supports have been tried and monitored.

Three Tier 1 Strategies for Any High School Classroom

1. • 1. Frequent, Low-Stakes Checks for Understanding

        1. Use exit tickets, quick polls, or short write-ups to gauge learning in real time and adjust instruction.

     2. Structured Peer Support

        1. Implement “think-pair-share” or peer tutoring within class to give students multiple ways to process information.

     3. Chunked Instruction with Guided Practice

        1. Break lessons into smaller segments, model the task, and then guide students through practice before independent work.

By strengthening Tier 1 practices, we reduce the number of students who need more intensive interventions, making our MTSS framework more effective for everyone.