How do you define tiered interventions?

Why is this important?

• More and more students are entering school unable to manage emotions

• Often this is presented as disruptive behaviors

• These interventions can be used for a variety of needs:

  • Disruptive behaviors

  • Prevention for students from hard places

  • Anxiety/Stress-management

    • 1 in 8 children experience anxiety disorders (even more than that experience feelings of anxiety)

  • Attendance concerns

  • Unmotivated

Important considerations

• Interventions should be targeted based on student need

  • Haphazardly assigning interventions is not likely to be effective

• Ideally, students in need of tier three interventions, are referred to community agencies

• Keep in mind that a school counselor may organize and oversee interventions but they should be implemented by the entire school team

  • For example, a school counselor may organize, oversee, and collect data on a Check In, Check Out program but it is another school employee who implements the intervention

• Interventions are not magically wands

  • Sometimes you might need to try multiple interventions to meet the student's needs

• Data can be collected before, during, and after interventions and is very valuable for strengthening interventions that are not working

tiered interventions

2 x 10 Intervention

2 x 10 is a tier two intervention that is designed to build positive relationships with students. It is easy to implement and involves the entire school staff including custodians, teaching assistants, principals-- everyone! It takes very little time and can be incredibly effective. Check out the video I made for the Maine School Counselor Association to hear more.

Mentor programs

Research has shown that just one caring, stable, and committed relationship with a supportive adult can make a big difference in student outcomes. For some students, a school-based mentor program can provide just that by matching students from difficult backgrounds with an adult community member to serve as a role model, supporter and friend. A mentor program can be an effective tier 2 or tier 3 intervention for students in need of additional supports. did an ASCA webinar on Mentor Programs because there is SO much to share about this amazing intervention. Check it out here.

check in check out

Check In, Check Out is a tier two intervention that pairs a school employee who serves as a mentor who provides unconditional positive regard and feedback on a daily basis. The student has an opportunity to check in every morning and every afternoon. Check In, Check Out is paired with goals (similar to behavior chart). Howevver, regardless of how the child’s day is, the Check In, Check Out Mentor is positive and NEVER punitive. A child CANNOT lose access to Check In, Check Out due to behavior. I love Check In, Check Out!

The following websites also include great ideas for tiered interventions to support individualized student needs:

• PBIS World

• What Works Clearinghouse

• Panorama SEL Interventions