Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that guides schools and teachers to provide appropriate instruction and interventions to ensure all students receive the education and supports they need to be successful in school.

MTSS is a continuous process that is applicable to all students, ranging from Tier 1 interventions for the general student population through Tier 3 for individual students. MTSS incorporates performance data and progress monitoring to inform evidence-based decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions.

When interventions don’t lead to improved outcomes, the school or the student’s parents or guardian may initiate a request for a special education evaluation.

A fundamental concept of MTSS is that all students receive core academic and behavioral supports, and additional targeted instruction and interventions are provided to students as needed, based on a continuous review of the child’s performance; root cause analysis of problem areas; and refinements to strategies, supports and interventions to address what is not working.

Tiers of academic and behavioral instruction and supports

Tier 1

Core Instruction and Supports: General academic and behavioral support, differentiated for all students in a general education setting.

Tier 2

Targeted Supplemental Instruction and Intervention: More focused, targeted instruction, interventions, and supplemental supports, provided in a general education setting (in addition to Tier 1).

Tier 3

Intensive Individualized Instruction and Intervention: The most intense instruction and intervention that is made available and provided in a small group general education setting.

Determining the appropriate tier of support/intervention

Step 1

Teacher (or parent, administrator, or counselor) recognizes a consistent need exhibited by the student. Discrepancy in the student’s academic, social/emotional, behavioral, and/or physical ability may signal the need for additional academic or behavioral supports.

Step 2

School-level team will engage in the problem-solving process to determine the root cause.

Step 3

School-level team will strategize and develop a cooperative plan that includes tiered interventions to close the gap for the student.