MTSS
Multi-Tiered System of Support
What is MTSS?
MTSS stands for a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It is an instructional framework designed to support the needs of all students. It is not a specific curriculum or program. MTSS targets a child’s academic, behavioral and social emotional needs. It is a three tiered system.
What is a universal screener?
A universal screener is the first step in identifying students who may or may not need additional support in the areas of academics, behavior, and social emotional skills. The screenings are typically given three times a year, in the fall, winter and spring. A universal screener is a brief assessment that focuses on targeted skills that are highly predictive of future outcomes. At Hillside, the universal screener is just one measure used in determining student needs.
What are the levels of support?
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports consists of three tiers. The tiers are fluid allowing students to always receive the appropriate level of support. Collaboration between specialists and classroom teachers is an important part of the MTSS process.
Tier 1: Classroom Instruction (100% of students)
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evidence-based, high quality core instruction for all students which occurs in the classroom
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qualified classroom teachers provide differentiated instruction and additional support as needed to ensure all students have access to grade-level curriculum
Tier 2: Small Group Instruction (15-20% of students)
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targeted interventions provided by a specialist or classroom teacher in a small group setting to work towards grade level goals
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in addition to small group instruction, the student will receive Tier 1 interventions in the classroom
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instructional groupings range from 3-5 students and occur 3 times in the 6-day cycle. A cycle of intervention may consist of 6-8 weeks and a child may require multiple cycles
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student goals are set and ongoing progress monitoring occurs to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and student progress.
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throughout each cycle, the interventionist will use progress monitoring tools and goal driven instruction
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at the end of each cycle, next steps are determined
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a child may remain in tier 2, return to tier 1 or receive more intensive support in tier 3
Tier 3: Intensive Small Group Instruction (5% of students)
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intensive, targeted interventions provided by a specialist in a small group setting
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In addition to small group instruction, the student will receive Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions in the classroom
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frequency and duration increases and individualized interventions are implemented
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groupings range from 1-3 students and occur 4 times in the 6-day cycle for a period of 6-8 weeks
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a child may require more than one cycle
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interventions continue to take place in the classroom with the classroom teacher
As in tier 2, student goals are set, ongoing progress monitoring occurs and individualized instruction is provided. At the end of each cycle, next steps are determined.
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student may remain in tier 3 or return to tier 2
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in the event that the child is not making adequate progress, they are referred to the PST (Problem-Solving Team)
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the PST consists of the building administration, school counselor, and academic specialists at Hillside
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during this time, The PST along with the classroom teacher will discuss student data and progress and propose additional interventions to support the child’s needs
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after the intervention cycle(s), the team, along with the child’s classroom teacher, reconvene to discuss student data and progress and make a determination to continue with current interventions or submit a referral to the CSE (Committee on Special Education)