MTSS Multi-Tiered System of Supports (Overview)

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a comprehensive, proactive, and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student success across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. It's a system-level approach that helps educators identify students' strengths and challenges and provide differentiated support based on their unique needs.

At its core, MTSS is a tiered delivery system, typically consisting of three levels of increasing intensity:

Tier 1: Universal Supports (All Students): This foundational tier provides high-quality, evidence-based instruction and universal practices for all students in the general education setting. It includes a robust core curriculum, positive classroom management strategies, and school-wide behavioral expectations. The goal is to meet the needs of the majority of students (typically 75-90%) through effective universal teaching.

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions (Some Students): For students who are not making adequate progress with Tier 1 supports alone, Tier 2 offers supplemental, targeted interventions. These are typically delivered in small groups and focus on specific academic, behavioral, or social-emotional skills. The aim is to bridge identified gaps and help students catch up to their peers (typically 10-25% of students).

Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Interventions (Few Students): This tier provides highly individualized and intensive support for students with significant and persistent needs who have not responded to Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions. This often involves one-on-one instruction, specialized programs, and close collaboration with specialists and families (typically 1-10% of students).

Key components of MTSS:

●      Universal Screening: Regular assessments for all students to identify those at risk for poor outcomes.

●      Progress Monitoring: Ongoing evaluation of student performance to quantify improvement and assess the effectiveness of interventions.

●      Data-Based Decision Making: Using data from screenings and progress monitoring to inform instructional decisions, determine movement between tiers, and evaluate intervention efficacy.

●        Evidence-Based Practices: Utilizing research-backed strategies and interventions at all tiers.

●  Collaboration: Teachers, administrators, specialists, and families work together to support students.

●  Whole-Child Approach: Addressing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs holistically

MTSS Applications at Grades K-5

In elementary grades (K-5), MTSS plays a crucial role in establishing foundational skills and addressing early learning challenges.

Academics:

Universal Screening: Administering universal screeners in reading (e.g., phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency) and math (e.g., number sense, basic operations) to identify students who may need additional support.

●      Tier 1: High-quality, differentiated core instruction in literacy and mathematics for all students. This includes explicit phonics instruction, guided reading, math manipulatives, and varied learning activities.

●  Tier 2: Small group interventions for students struggling with specific skills, such as targeted phonics lessons for a few students, small group math practice on a particular concept, or reading fluency groups.

●      Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant academic deficits, potentially involving one-on-one tutoring for reading comprehension or intensive math remediation.

Behavioral/Social-Emotional:

Universal Screening: Observing student behavior, using behavior checklists, or conducting student self-assessments to identify behavioral or social-emotional needs.

●      Tier 1: School-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) with clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement. Teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) skills to all students (e.g.,

self-regulation, empathy).

●  Tier 2: Small group social skills instruction, targeted behavior plans for specific students, or Check-in/Check-out systems.

●  Tier 3: Individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs), functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and potentially support from school psychologists or counselors for students with significant behavioral or emotional challenges.

MTSS Applications at Grades 6-12

In middle and high school (6-12), MTSS continues to provide essential support, adapting to the increased academic demands and developmental complexities of older students.

Academics:

Universal Screening: Using benchmark assessments, course grades, attendance data, and early warning systems to identify students at risk of academic failure or dropping out.

●      Tier 1: High-quality, rigorous core instruction across all subject areas. This includes responsive teaching, differentiated assignments, and opportunities for re-teaching and re-assessment within the regular classroom.

●      Tier 2: Targeted academic interventions, such as remedial math or reading classes, small group tutoring for specific subjects (e.g., algebra, English language arts), credit recovery programs, or organizational skills support groups.

●      Tier 3: Intensive, individualized academic interventions, potentially including specialized instruction for students with significant learning disabilities, alternative education pathways, or one-on-one academic coaching.

    Click here for an expanded view of grades 6-12 MTSS Tiers

Behavioral/Social-Emotional:

Universal Screening: Monitoring attendance, disciplinary referrals, social-emotional surveys, and teacher observations to identify students with behavioral or social-emotional concerns.

●      Tier 1: School-wide PBIS, promoting a positive school climate, teaching conflict resolution skills, and integrating SEL into the curriculum. Providing access to school counselors and mental health resources for all students.

●      Tier 2: Small group counseling for anxiety, stress management, or social skills; mentoring programs; targeted interventions for attendance issues; or anger management groups.

●  Tier 3: Individualized counseling, intensive crisis intervention, collaboration with external mental health providers, or highly structured behavioral support plans for students with severe social-emotional or behavioral challenges.

In both K-5 and 6-12, the underlying principle remains the same: to provide timely, data-driven, and increasingly intensive support to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed. The specific interventions and tools may differ, but the commitment to a collaborative, tiered system is consistent across all grade levels.

MTSS Professional Resources

A Comprehensive Guide to MTSS Interventions in K-12 Education / How a multi-tiered system of supports elevates student learning – Power School

RTI vs MTSS: What's the Difference Between These Support Systems? Academic Success for All Students: A Multi-Tiered Approach:

At P.K. Yonge, using Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) enables teachers to differentiate and provide each student the right level of instruction to succeed. This video focuses on MTSS academic supports. 6 minute video

American Institutes for Research/MTSS CENTER

How MTSS in Math Is Changing the Game for K-5 Learners – Age of Learning MTSS for Grades 6-12-DEW

MTSS: What Is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports?

How does MTSS relate to special education? By Eesha Pendharkar — October 13, 2023

University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) The UFLI Foundations Toolbox contains all the lesson resources to accompany the lesson plans provided in the UFLI Foundations manual.