MTSS
Overview of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
What is a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)?
A Comprehensive framework for providing differentiated and targeted support matched to student need
A process that screens all children for academic and social/emotional needs.
A support system that focuses on the growth of the “whole child” with integrated instruction and interventions to address academic, behavioral, social/emotional needs, as well as absenteeism.
A schoolwide approach to student support involving teachers, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists working as a team to assess students and plan interventions.
What are the benefits of MTSS?
Research indicates that MTSS leads to an improvement in student outcomes in academic and social/emotional growth through the use of evidence-based strategies.
The goal of MTSS is to intervene early so students can obtain optimal academic and social/emotional growth and reduce the achievement gap between themselves and their peers.
The MTSS model can help general education students receive interventions sooner. It can also help identify sooner which children need special education support.
MTSS involves frequent monitoring of students’ progress so school staff can decide whether or not interventions are effective and if more are needed.
MTSS involves parents to understand their child’s needs, the interventions being utilized, and provide support at home.
What are some key components of MTSS?
Universal screening for all students early in the school year
Increasing levels of targeted support for those who are struggling
Integrated plans that address students academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs
Use of evidence based strategies
A school-wide approach to student support - Teachers, psychologist, social workers, and other specialists work as a team when they assess students and develop interventions
Professional development so staff can administer interventions and progress monitor effectively
Frequent progress monitoring so the school team can analyze data and make adjustments as needed (inclusion of all members).
Ongoing communication and partnering with parents and guardians to support student progress
Overview of Data-Based Problem Solving
Critical component of MTSS implementation
Used to guide supports across academic, behavior, and social-emotional domains
Across all tiers, data is used to
Identify “gap” between expected outcomes and current student performance
Match high quality instruction/intervention and instructional resources to student need
Guide continuing decisions
Team considers both level of performance and learning rate over time to guide decisions
Data-based problem solving means that data is used effectively to improve learning, and informs how patterns of student performance across diverse groups (e.g., racial/ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, language proficiency, disability status) are addressed.
Data-Based Problem Solving Process
At all levels, problem solving process uses at least 4 steps in a cyclical, recurring model to address prevention, early intervention, and intensive intervention. Multiple sources of data are used to define areas of strength and need and develop hypotheses.
Step 1: REVIEW
How do we ensure that all students are successful?
Step 2: ANALYZE
How do students’ performance compare to benchmark levels and grade level peers?
Step 3: IMPLEMENT
Determine and implement the intervention.
Step 4: EVALUATE
Is the intervention/instruction working?
Description of Tier Intervention and the Continuum of Support
MTSS describes the framework for providing a comprehensive system of differentiated supports. It is used to organize resources and supports to ensure student learning and educational success. MTSS uses a data-based decision-making model to ensure that the intensity of supports provided to students matches student need.
In Westchester District 92.5, instruction and intervention are provided in increased intensity across 3 tiers based on student need.
Interventions
ELA Interventions
S.P.I.R.E.
i S.P.I.R.E.
Sound Sensible
R.I.S.E. / R.I.S.E. UP
Equipped for Reading Success Manual
Heggerty Bridge the Gap
Story Champs
Orton Gillingham
Math Interventions
Bridges intervention
Spring Math
