What are Tier 1 Supports?

Tier 1 core programming and supports include academic, social, emotional, and behavioral instruction and supports aligned to grade-level standards and student needs. At Tier 1, educators use instructional strategies and practices shown to be effective for the student population and educational context. Most students (approximately 80%) benefit from Tier 1 programming alone and teachers use differentiated instruction to ensure all students can access and benefit from core programming. Consistency in the use of evidence-based practices and supports is essential for effectiveness at Tier 1. Tier 1 strives to create a positive school climate and conditions for learning.

How does JSC utilize Tier 1 supports?

Classroom instruction by a grade level teacher is often referred to as 'Tier 1 Support'. At JSC, our classroom teachers provide Tier 1 support to all students in the areas of reading, math, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  Tier 1 supports are known as our core programs.  

• Reading Tier 1 programs include: HMH Into Reading curriculum and IXL language arts online program. Our teachers utilize whole-class instruction, small-group differentiated instruction, and independent practice to meet the needs of each student. 

• Math Tier 1 programs include: SAVAAS Envision Math curriculum and IXL math online program. Our teachers utilize whole-class instrcution, small-group differentiated instruction, and independent practice to meet the needs of each student. 

• Social Emotional Learning Tier 1 programs include: Rethink Ed Social Emotional Learning Program. Our teachers utilize weekly SEL lessons that help students develop important wellness skills like peer relationships, stress management, coping skills, and empathy while building a safe and affirming culture within our school community. 

• Behavioral Tier 1 programs include: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) PRIDE matrix and lessons. Our teachers use JSC's PRIDE matrix to teach lessons and school-wide expectations that promote positive behaviors. Each grade level offers a wide variety of incentives for students who exhibit PRIDE behaviors. PRIDE is an acronym that stands for:

  • • • • P - Prepare

        • R - Respect

        • I - Inspire

        • D - Demonstrate

        • E - Excel

What are Tier 2 Supports?

 At Tier 2, schools provide standardized interventions that target academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs using validated programs to support students identified as academically or behaviorally at-risk. Teams select or design interventions and supports that have demonstrated positive effects for desired outcomes and are aligned with student needs. Tier 2 interventions and supports are delivered with fidelity at an appropriate duration and frequency to ensure students have increased opportunities for practice and corrective feedback. Approximately 20% of students need additional support at the Tier 2 level. 

How does JSC utilize Tier 2 supports?

• Academic (Reading and Math) Tier 2 supports -  Each grade level at JSC implements an intervention block for students. This block of time is in addition to grade level reading and math time. During intervention time, all students in the grade level work with either a classroom teacher or a Title I teacher. Students who are identified as at-risk (in the area of reading or math) work with a Title I teacher in a small-group setting during intervention time, to receive targeted instruction based on  students' needs. 

• Behavioral Tier 2 supports - JSC School Counselors provide Tier 2 supports through a variety of small-group sessions (friendship, grief and loss, coping skills, etc.). JSC Behavior Interventionist provides Tier 2 supports through restorative practice lessons. 

At Tier 3, educators provide intervention to help students with severe and persistent learning and/or social-emotional-behavioral needs, including students with disabilities. It is provided to students not responding to Tier 2 interventions and who may have low achievement or ongoing, intensive needs. Designing Tier 3 supports is a data-driven process that is characterized by increased intensity and individualization of instruction and supports