Reinforces Key Skills Across Subjects
Example: If ELA focuses on evidence-based writing, history and science teachers can reinforce it when students justify claims with sources.
Strategy: Use a common sentence-starter framework across subjects (e.g., "According to the text…", "The data suggests…").
Creates Consistent Instructional Practices
Example: If all teachers use graphic organizers for organizing thoughts, students become fluent in using them, rather than learning a new structure in every class.
Strategy: Agree on shared scaffolding tools like KWL charts, claim-evidence-reasoning, or Cornell Notes.
Aligns Academic Language and Vocabulary
Example: Instead of every department using different terms for analyzing text, all teachers can use “author’s purpose” or “theme” when discussing central ideas.
Strategy: Develop a common academic vocabulary list and have all teachers reinforce it.
Supports Executive Functioning Across Subjects
Example: If all teachers use checklists or planning tools for projects, students build better organization skills.
Strategy: Implement a shared rubric for long-term assignments to ensure consistency in expectations.
Reinforces Key Skills Across Subjects
Since vocabulary is crucial across subjects, teachers can agree to use 5 common strategies for introducing and reinforcing new terms:
Frayer Model: Definition, characteristics, examples, non-examples.
Context Clues: Teach students to infer meaning from surrounding text.
Student-Friendly Definitions: Have students rephrase definitions in their own words.
Word Walls/Anchor Charts: Display key vocabulary in every subject.
Repetition & Application: Require students to use new words in discussions and writing.
💡 MTSS Connection: Ensuring all students have access to multiple ways of learning vocabulary supports universal access (Tier 1) and reduces the need for interventions.
School-Wide Formative Assessment Techniques
Teachers can agree on quick, low-stakes checks for understanding, like:
Exit Tickets: A one-sentence summary, a lingering question, or a real-world connection.
Thumbs Up/Down or Fist-to-Five: Quick visual check on comprehension.
Whiteboards/Google Forms: Instant responses to gauge understanding.
Peer Teaching: Have students explain concepts to each other.
💡 MTSS Connection: Frequent formative assessments allow teachers to catch struggling students early, adjust Tier 1 instruction, and prevent students from slipping into Tier 2.
Common Note-Taking & Reading Strategies
If all teachers encourage the same reading strategies, students will become more confident readers across disciplines:
Annotation Expectations: Highlight main ideas, underline key terms, write summaries.
Cornell Notes: A structured way to organize and review notes.
SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review): Helps students break down dense texts.
Graphic Organizers: Provide a visual structure for complex concepts.
Think-Alouds: Model how to process and analyze texts.
💡 MTSS Connection: A consistent approach to reading and note-taking helps all learners access content, keeping more students engaged in Tier 1 instruction.
Consistent Classroom Routines & Engagement Strategies
Establishing predictable learning routines across classrooms supports all learners, especially those who struggle with executive functioning. Some shared strategies include:
Do-Now/Bell Ringers: A 3–5 minute warm-up at the start of every class.
Clear Agenda & Learning Targets: Written on the board daily.
Timers & Structured Transitions: Keep students on track and reduce lost time.
Collaborative Learning Expectations: Common rules for group work and discussions.
Provide Opportunities for Student Choice: Provide opportunities for student choice and autonomy, which can increase motivation and engagement.
💡 MTSS Connection: Predictable structures support all students in staying engaged, managing workload, and developing independence.
Standardized Writing Expectations
All subjects require writing, so teachers can agree on:
Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER): Used in science but applicable in all subjects.
Sentence Starters & Frames: Scaffolding to help all students build strong responses.
Rubrics with Clear Expectations: A shared writing rubric for consistency.
Quick Writes: Short, ungraded responses to build fluency.
💡 MTSS Connection: Writing scaffolds ensure that more students can access content across subjects, supporting inclusive Tier 1 instruction.