Core Component 4: Core Component 4: Multi-Tiered System of Evidence-Based Practices

Core Component 4:

Multi-tiered System of Evidence-based Practices

(coordinating our resources to best meet the needs of all students)

What is the Hawai‘i Multi-Tiered System of Support (HMTSS)?

The Hawai‘i Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework

The HMTSS is a framework within school design that consists of a fluid continuum of integrated support that encompasses RTI, PBIS, and other initiatives (e.g., Chapter 19, Special Education, English Learners) to promote positive school climate and mitigate learning obstacles before they affect student outcomes. This framework aligns resources, services, and initiatives that serve the whole child by integrating academic, behavior, social and emotional, and physical health needs of all students. Within the HMTSS framework of evidence-based practices and interventions are driven by data-driven team-based problem-solving approaches that provide supports and services that best match student needs.

A Multi-Tiered System

The continuum of integrated support is organized into a three-tiered framework to ensure equitable access to resources for all students. Tier 1 supports are for all students and continue as students receive Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.

• Tier 1 or primary instruction and evidence-based supports are provided to all students. Core standards-based instruction integrated with positive behavior expectations and social and emotional learning is the foundation of Tier 1. For most students (approximately 80%), Tier 1 meets their academic, behavioral, social and emotional, and physical health needs.

• Tier 2 provides targeted and supplemental instruction for identified students. Interventions are implemented at the grade or content level for students who need additional support in learning and/or behaving. Tier 2 is intended to be timely and in alignment with Tier 1 instruction and support. Tier 2 support is considered supplemental because it occurs in addition to core and primary instruction, not in place of it. Approximately 15% of students need Tier 2 support. Tier 2 needs and interventions are identified during grade, content, or multidisciplinary teaming.

• Tier 3 is strategic and includes intensive instruction and supports for students with significant learning, behavioral, social and emotional, and/or physical health needs. These students may not have the appropriate developmental and academic skills to be successful with solely Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction and supports. In addition to Tier 1 and Tier 2, Tier 3 provides another opportunity for students to acquire the foundational skills necessary for their success.

Acknowledging that students have different needs for support, it is the skillful integration and implementation of supports provided among the three tiers that ensure success for every child.

A Comprehensive System

The continuum of integrated tiered supports is comprehensive and organized across four domains (academic, behavioral, social and emotional, physical) that address the needs of the whole child, to ensure equitable access to resources for all students.