Tier 1 support, also called universal support, provides a large variety of resources, services, activities and events to promote students' readiness to learn by addressing their social, emotional and behavioral needs. There are many examples of Tier 1/universal support in SAU 34 schools, including
readiness-to-learn curriculum to teach and improve emotional awareness, social interaction, regulation skills, and readiness-to-learn habits
advisory program
resource newsletters to staff and families/caregivers
whole-school events, such as Hillcat Cup, Winter Carnival, Community Service Days and Field Days
morning meetings
whole-class or whole-school positive reinforcement
student governance, leadership and voice opportunities
after-school groups and clubs
health and mental health education programs
resource, support and skills groups/meetings for parents and caregivers
transition programs for students and parents moving from one building to another
Tier 2 support, also called targeted support, provides additional resources, services and interventions for those students who have been identified as needing support beyond that offered at the tier 1 level. In most schools, about 15-20% of students require tier 2/targeted support.
Examples of tier 2/targeted support include
Short-term individual and group counseling services with the school counselor
Individualized check-ins and breaks
Individualized positive reinforcement strategies
Referrals to community-based resources, such as Project Genesis, youth athletics, and interest-based groups
Tier 3 support, also called intensive support, provides highly customized resources, services and interventions for those students who have been identified as significant support beyond that offered at the tier 1 and tier 2 levels. In most schools, only about 5% of students require tier 3/intensive support.
Examples of tier 3/intensive support include
Individual counseling with the school counselor or school psychologist
Individualized behavior support plans
Collaboration and coordination with community-based providers, including health care providers, mental health providers, court, and other agencies
Referrals for outpatient mental health treatment services