Webster's Multi-Tiered System of Support
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a multi-level prevention system that provides access to increasingly intense levels of instruction and interventions. MTSS integrates assessment and intervention within a school-wide, multi-level prevention system to maximize student achievement and reduce behavior problems. With MTSS, schools identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based interventions, and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions based on a student’s responsiveness. MTSS includes three levels of intensity or prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. These levels are also called Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III. There is an MTSS team of staff, including the classroom teacher, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, and Interventionist.
Tier I High-quality differentiated core instruction for all in academics and social-emotional learning.
Teachers differentiate the core instruction by systematically implementing evidence-based curricula aligned to state and core standards. Additionally, instruction is horizontally and vertically aligned to ensure students within the same grade level have equitable, inclusive learning, and are adequately prepared to succeed in subsequent grade levels. Part of this differentiation includes Telescoped Math for 4th & 5th grade for an advanced learner differentiation.
Tier 2 Evidenced-based intervention(s) of moderate intensity.
Secondary prevention typically involves small-group instruction that relies on evidence-based interventions that specify the instructional procedures, duration (typically 6-8 weeks of 10-30 minute sessions), and frequency (3-4 times/week) of instruction. Secondary prevention has these distinguishing characteristics:
- evidence-based
- adult-led, small-group instruction rather than whole-class instruction, in addition to core instruction
- student opportunity for leadership and practice
- involves a clearly articulated, validated intervention, which should be adhered to with fidelity.
- Interventions & progress monitoring plans are created during grade-level MTSS Intervention Meetings.
Tier 3 Intensive and individualized interventions
Intensive interventions are for students who have not made expected growth in response to primary or secondary interventions. Instruction is intensive, supplemental, and delivered in small groups or at times, one on one.
