Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education MTSS

Tier 1 Instruction (Universal): All LPS students receive reading, writing, and phonics (or word study) instruction with high-quality, evidence based, standards-based curriculum. Culturally responsive, inclusive practices allow more students to access the curriculum, and educators employ a variety of materials, scaffolds, and supports to meet the needs of all students. Educators use assessment data to understand student progress.

Tier 2: Based on data collected and daily performance in their classroom, some students may need supplemental support in the form of targeted intervention delivered by their classroom teacher and/or a specialist. During the course of an intervention cycle, additional data will be collected through progress monitoring—to measure ongoing student progress and assess the effectiveness of the intervention plan. Progress monitoring may be thought of as “follow-up appointments” during an intervention cycle.

LPS educators have been trained and have access to a menu of high-quality resources for targeted intervention. Some of these resources are documented in the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) and include the following:

Tier 3 Instruction (Intensive): Sometimes, even more intensive support is required for a student to make adequate progress. The state reports that Tier 3 instruction is typically required for <5% of the student population at any given time. Tier 3 instruction is not synonymous with special education services.