Essential Processes and Core Components

Four essential processes undergird HMTSS’s ability to provide support to every student. These “big ideas” get at the heart of creating a school that is responsive to the strengths and growth areas of its students.

For schools to design systems that address the whole child, they must:

1. establish what they believe;

2. make sound choices based on the right information;

3. know their students; and

4. coordinate their resources to meet the needs of all students.

These processes establish the four core components of HMTSS.

HMTSS Core Components

Core Component 1: Foundational beliefs

(Establishing what we believe)

● Articulating and embracing our beliefs about students, learning, and the role of the school is critical to creating a culture that is responsive to students and how we educate them.

Core Component 2: Data-driven, team-based decision-making

(Making sound choices based on the right information)

● Analyzing student data using a decision-making process that incorporates expertise from multiple sources provides a systematic way of making informed decisions. Students, both individually and collectively, are provided with the most appropriate and effective support available.

Core Component 3: Universal screening and progress monitoring

(Knowing our students)

● Tracking how students are doing (well-being and/or progress) both individually and collectively ensures that every student receives an appropriate core educational program. Students in need of additional support are identified early and receive the most appropriate and effective support available.

Core Component 4: Multi-tiered system of evidence-based practices

(Coordinating resources to meet the needs of all students)

● Employing evidence-based practices within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) provides a mechanism by which the needs of the whole child are effectively and efficiently addressed for all students.