Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

The MTSS framework is a layered approach to student achievement. Tier 1 provides the foundation for all students, while Tiers 2 and 3 provide increasingly focused support.

Part 1: Academic Supports

Focusing on high-quality instruction and literacy/math mastery.

Tier 1: Universal Instruction (All Students)

• Instructional Practices: High-quality instruction (K-12) utilizing Bloom's Taxonomy, higher-order thinking skills, and project-based learning.
• Classroom strategies: Differentiation, engaging activities, formative assessments, and multi-sensory instruction.

Tier 2: Supplemental Support (Targeted Groups)

• Intervention: Small group instruction (K-12), remediation, and VALLS
• Staffing: Reading Specialists (K-2)
• Software Support: Intensive remediation programs for math and literacy

Tier 3: Intensive Intervention (Individualized)

• Instruction: 1:1 instruction (K-2) and intensive small groups (K-12)
• Specialized Focus: Addressing student-specific skill deficits and intensive Reading Specialist support (K-2)

 

Part 2: Behavioral Supports

Focusing on social-emotional learning and positive school climate.

Tier 1: Universal Supports (All Students)

• Positive Climate: Frequent praise, acknowledging positive behavior, and rewarding students (K-12)
• Communication: Positive notes home or phone calls to parents (K-12)
• Regulation: Teaching coping skills, providing opportunities to respond, and "Take a Break" options
• Structure: Visual schedules (K-5) and multi-sensory instruction (K-12)

Tier 2: Supplemental Support (Identified Students)

• Behavioral Planning: Behavior contracts, behavior plans, and safety plans (K-12)
• Monitoring: Check-in/Check-out (CICO) and Daily Behavior Forms (K-8)
• Interventions: Counselor referrals, structured breaks, and specialized reward systems

Tier 3: Intensive Intervention (Individualized)

• Clinical Referrals: Intervention Specialists, Family Support Workers, and School Psychologists (K-12)

• Evaluation: Required Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

• Advanced Support: District-wide behavior meetings, Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT), and alternatives to suspension

• Alternative Education: Specialized educational settings for grades 6-12

 

Part 3: Attendance

Tiered interventions for attendance.

Tier 1: 0-5 Unverified Absences

• Teachers, principals, and staff:
  • Recognize good and improved attendance
    • Recognition at assembly
    • Certificates
    • Clarify attendance expectations and goals
    • School attendance policy
• Teachers:
  • Educate and engage students and families
    • Incorporate attendance into instruction
    • Engage with families during open houses, back-to-school nights, and conferences about the importance of attendance
    • Teach expectations
• Attendance Officer:
  • Monitors daily attendance
  • Sends out a warning letter after 5 unexcused/unverified absences
  • Sends out letters to families to schedule attendance meetings

Tier 2: 5-6 Unverified Absences

• Provide personalized early outreach
  • Assign a significant adult to check in with the student
• Principal/Assistant Principal meet with the student and family to develop an attendance plan
  • After the 6th unverified absence
• Principal/Assistant Principal/Family Support Worker conducts a home visit
  • After no parental contact
• Teachers will continue to contact and support families
  • Teach expectation
  • Make help available for missed assignments

Tier 3: 7+ Unverified Absences

• Family Support Worker
  • Support student and family
  • Education on available community services
  • Case manage through FAPT to obtain services
  • Intake/Diversion plan with Court Services Unit
  • File petition with Court
• Teachers will continue to contact and support students and families and make help available for missed assignments