MTSS at Liberty Bell

What does MTSS look like at Liberty Bell Elementary?

At Liberty Bell Elementary, the MTSS process begins in September, when all students are given a universal screener in reading and math. These assessments help staff determine which students are not performing at the expected level for specific grade level skills. Students who are recognized during the screening process as not meeting expectations are further assessed to determine if additional intervention is warranted and for what specific skill areas. Parents are informed of their child's Tier placement, usually near the end of September, as well as throughout the year if changes occur. If a student is found to be in need of further intervention, the child will receive one of the following types of intervention:

Tier 1: Tier 1 involves common core instruction for all students. All students in our school are given universal screening and benchmark assessments three times per year. Classroom teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of the students in their classroom. Accommodations and modifications may be made for students to be successful with the regular education curriculum, without the need for additional support outside of the classroom. Varied classroom centers and the Pride of Liberty Bell, our school-wide positive behavior support system, are examples of Tier 1 programs.

Tier 2: Tier 2 is provided for students who are at risk for or are experiencing behavioral or academic difficulty in a certain skill area. Students in Tier 2 generally receive 30 minutes of small group academic instruction in a scientifically research based program in addition to their regular classroom instruction. Data is collected biweekly to ensure the current placement is appropriate for the child. Based on the data, a child may remain in the intervention or transition to a Tier 1 or Tier 3 placement. Examples of targeted skills addressed in intervention may be: reading comprehension, reading fluency, math computation, or math concepts. A Tier 2 intervention for a behavioral indicator may be a check-in/check-out system, which partners the child with a consistent staff member to create positive relationships and behavior throughout the school day.

Tier 3: Tier 3 entails two or more interventions being provided for a child in a particular skill area. These scientifically research based interventions are generally provided in an even smaller group or 1:1 setting and data is collected weekly. Based on the data, a child may remain in the intervention group, transition to a Tier 2 placement, or be referred for additional assessment.

Tier placement and interventions are fluid and flexible based on student need and multiple sources of data collection. Students move in and out of Tiers at their own pace and are continually monitored to ensure proper placement. A single child may be in different tiers. For example, a child may need Tier 2 intervention for reading comprehension, Tier 1 may be appropriate for reading fluency, while Tier 3 is warranted for math instruction.

In addition, the universal screeners are given again in January and May to all students. Tier placement is based on the most recent assessment given. A child is never permanently placed in a Tier.

At Liberty Bell, MTSS is a collaborative, team process. All stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, support staff, the core MTSS team, and parents, work together to help each child find success. For ideas of ways to further support your child at home, please click here.