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MTSS

What is MTSS?

  • diagram depicting MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support)

MTSS Essential Components

  1. Evidence-based Curriculum and Instruction
  2. Ongoing Assessment
  3. Collaborative Teaming
  4. Data-based Decision Making
  5. Fidelity of Implementation
  6. Ongoing Training and Professional Development
  7. Community and Family Involvement
  8. Strong Leadership

The MTSS process is based on the following principles:

  • Teach all children effectively
  • Intervene early
  • Use a multi-tiered model of service delivery
  • Adopt a problem-solving methodology

Based on these principles, the MTSS (TRtl) model calls of implementation of the following practices:

  • School-wide Screening
    • Why? Screening all children in a school helps identify students who may need extra help.
  • Progress Monitoring
    • Why? Monitoring the child’s progress and examine what changes, if any, need to be made in the method of instruction.
  • Tiered Instruction
    • Why? Tiered models of service delivery are used to efficiently differentiate instruction for all students.
  • High Quality, Evidence-Based Instruction and Interventions
    • Why? This ensures that the materials and instruction methods are known to work well.
  • Collaboration Among School Staff Members
    • Why? It allows for an array of input from various perspectives and backgrounds to provide a more well-rounded approach to assisting a struggling student.
  • Fidelity of Implementation
    • Why? This is to make sure that instruction or materials are being used in the way they are supposed to be used, because that is when they are most effective.

Tiers of MTSS

  • Diagram depicting the tiers of MTSS

Tips for Parents

  • Get to know your child's teacher & team
  • Become familiar with the skills your child is expected to learn
  • Read with your child every day
  • Help with homework assignments
  • Have a clear understanding of grade-level benchmarks
  • Attend conferences & meetings
  • Become a parent volunteer
  • Know your child's intervention plan
  • Be open to recommendations

Glossary

  • Consistent, explicit, systematic instruction provided for a student in order to improve his or her performance academically, socially or emotionally.

  • The components include a goal, what will be done (a program etc.), who will do it, how long the intervention will last, how will the student'sprogress be monitored, when the plan will be reviewed.

  • Curriculum and educational interventions that are evidence-based and have been proven effective for students.

  • Assessment given by school personnel 3 times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring) to determine which students are "at risk" for not meeting grade level benchmarks, as well as students that may be exceeding grade level standards. Students whose scores on the screening fall below or above a certain cutoff point are identified as needing continued progress monitoring and possibly interventions.  Anderson School uses Fastbridge to screen for  Reading, Math, and Behavior.

  • A scientifically based practice used to assess students' academic and behavioral progress and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students, small groups or an entire class. Anderson School uses Fastbridge and SWIS systems for progress monitoring students. 

  • A school based team that meets regularly to analyze student data, and to identify where the learning and behavior needs are occurring throughout the school  in order to make necessary changes with our instruction. 

  • A team that meets regularly to review a student's data and to provide recommendations to teachers for additional instruction and/or interventions that will ensure a student is able to make adequate progress.

  • The use of data to guide design, implementation, and adjustment of instruction.