MTSS at the Intermediate School

What does MTSS look like at the Joseph P. Liberati Intermediate School?

At the Joseph P. Liberati Intermediate School, the MTSS process begins in September, when all students are given a universal screeners 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 grade level benchmarks are further assessed to determine if additional intervention is warranted and for what specific skill areas.  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 at least three times per year.  Classroom teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of the students in their classroom.  Classroom based supports may be put in place for students to be successful with the regular education curriculum, without the need for additional support outside of the classroom.  

Tier 2:  Tier 2 is provided for students who are at risk for or are experiencing behavioral, social, 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 at least 4 times a week.  Data is collected regularly to monitor growth.  Based on the data, a student 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, decoding, math computation, or math concepts and application.  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 is the most intensive intervention, and entails two or more interventions being provided for a child in a particular skill area.  These research-based interventions are often 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 intervention,  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 student may exit or enter intervention at any time of the school year based on most current data and student need for support. 

At the Joseph P. Liberati Intermediate School, 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.