Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
MTSS is responsive, data-based, student-centered, and promotes an equitable approach to instruction that ensures each and every student receives the level of support they need.
In District 34, we utilize a framework called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The premise is that all students can learn when given the support they need. The district strategic plan highlights this premise:
District 34 uses MTSS to provide high quality, research based academic and social emotional instruction to meet the needs of all students, utilizing a data-based approach to efficiently identify students who need extra support. This support falls into levels, or tiers.
At the Tier 1 level, all students receive high quality core instruction that is differentiated to meet the needs of each learner.
Tier 2 supports are provided to students who are identified as needing core instruction plus additional academic or SEL support. This additional support may be provided either inside or outside the core classroom environment, depending on the needs.
Tier 3 supports are provided to students who require direct and individualized instruction in addition to Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. Students who require Tier 3 supports may require an individual problem solving approach in order to ensure collaboration and coordination of supports and services throughout their day to best meet their individual needs.
Within an MTSS framework, the collection of data to help inform instructional decisions is critical. Students are given benchmark assessments three times a year, and teams review this data to determine students who may benefit from additional Tier 2 or Tier 3 support. Students identified for Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions receive regular progress monitoring using data, and teams meet to review the data and determine if students continue to need the extra support, or if instruction needs to be intensified.