Teaching and Learning

MTSS

MTSS is a framework for meeting the instructional needs of all learners through a variety of support services and interventions, or a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Many parents are familiar with RtI (Response to Intervention) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support). MTSS combines major components of both RtI and PBIS to meet the developmental, social, behavioral and academic needs of all learners.

MTSS begins with high-quality, culturally responsive differentiated instruction, positive behavior systems, universal screening and data analysis of all learning in the general education classroom. When learners are not yet proficient despite high-quality core instruction and positive behavior support, a team of educators comes together in a problem solving setting to identify the academic and behavioral needs of those learners.

The Major Components of MTSS

1) Data-based decision making

Critical educational decisions are based on assessment results. Data is carefully analyzed to determine why academic or behavioral problems exist.

2) Universal screening

Universal screeners are assessments administered to all students to determine as early as possible which students are at risk of not meeting academic benchmarks. These screenings are administered during the year in order to meet early intervention needs of all students.

3) Tiered model of delivery

The RtI process incorporates a tiered model of delivery of instruction. The tiers reflect increasing intensity of interventions to meet the individual needs of students.

4) Progress monitoring

Is a research-based practice that produces data about student growth over time. Progress monitoring is used to determine the effectiveness of instruction and/or interventions.

5) Fidelity of Implementation

Fidelity of implementation is achieved when the delivery of instruction, assessments, and progress monitoring is carried out as it was designed to be implemented.

6) The MTSS/RtI

The MTSS/RtI process targets success for all students by emphasizing high quality instruction and early intervention.

Parents play a critical role in supporting what their children are learning in school. Research shows that the more parents are involved in student learning, the higher the student achievement.

There are many ways parents can support what their child is doing in school.

Make reading an everyday habit at home
Communicate with your child’s teacher
Monitor and assist with homework assignments
Ask for regular monitoring reports
Share your child’s successes
Learn more about the curriculums and interventions being used in your child’s school
Attend parent/teacher conferences and other school meetings about your child