How are students selected for MTSS?

MTSS is proactive, so students who need extra support are identified through universal screening fairly early in the process. Teachers use data from universal screening (like the NWEA MAP test or another assessment) to identify students who would benefit from intervention.

Who gets MTSS?

Only students with disabilities who need special education services can get IEPs, whereas MTSS is a general framework for all students. However, an MTSS framework can help educators determine which students may need IEPs for learning disabilities or behavioral issues, Zumeta Edmonds said.

Which students are served through an MTSS framework?

All students can benefit from MTSS. To meet the needs of all students in a school, including those with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the framework needs to align general education and special education systems that provide supplemental special education supports.

How to tier students in MTSS?

There are typically three tiers of support in an MTSS model. Tier 1 includes high quality classroom-wide instruction and support for all students. Tier 2 provides targeted support to address a student's gaps in skills. Tier 3 involves intensive support usually provided more often and in smaller groups.

What are the four major groups to consider when grouping your students for MTSS?

The MTSS framework is comprised of four essential components: screening, progress monitoring, multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision making.

MTSS How It Works

What is the MTSS referral process?

The first step that is taken when a student is having academic difficulties is a referral to the MTSS process. MTSS stands for “Multi-Tiered Systems of Support” and the intent is to provide interventions that will help the student achieve success without entering special education.

What does MTSS look like in a school?

It's a proactive approach that has key elements: Universal screening for all students early in each school year. Increasing levels of targeted support for those who are struggling. Integrated plans that address students' academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.

Is MTSS for gifted students?

MTSS promotes a well-integrated system, connecting general, gifted, and special education with intervention and enrichment services. The MTSS process addresses academic, social and emotional needs.

How do I get started with MTSS?

What percentage do you need for Tier 2 MTSS?

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of students in a class receive Tier 2 intervention. The location of Tier 2 intervention is determined by the school. It may take place in the general education classroom or in an alternate location outside of the general education classroom. Tier 3: Intensive Intervention (1-5%).

Is MTSS an IEP?

Many educators consider a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to be a framework that's only applicable to a general education setting, while Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are reserved for special education settings.

What assessments are used in an MTSS?

An effective skills-based reading, math, or written expression program should include the following kinds of assessment: screening/benchmark, progress monitoring, diagnostic, outcome, and informal. Some assessments can be used for multiple purposes. Screening Assessments involve all children.

Is an IEP a Tier 3 intervention?

In some models, Tier 3 is defined as special education. This level of intensity is typically for children who have not been responsive to the Tier 2 level of instruction and, therefore, are considered in need of more individualized instructional delivery consistent with individualized education programs (IEPs).

Is MTSS federally mandated?

Additionally, the phrase “multi-tiered system of support” is always listed in lowercase letters, indicating that the specific MTSS framework advocated by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is not mandated by federal law.

Does MTSS require parent consent?

Directly related to MTSS practices, schools must notify parents about their concerns, seek parental consent for evaluations, and include parents' input in determining whether a child has a disability that requires special education services.

Who benefits from MTSS?

MTSS provides multiple levels of support for all learners (struggling through advanced). MTSS aligns resources and support for students receiving instruction AND for teachers and other support staff who are delivering the instruction.

How does MTSS work?

MTSS begins with teachers assessing the skills of everyone in the class to proactively identify who may need additional support in an area (e.g., reading, math, behavior). Students receive support (research-based, targeted instruction or intervention) matched both to their skills and level of need.

Is MTSS better than RTI?

Many educators prefer MTSS over RTI because it is a more well-rounded, comprehensive, and holistic approach to supporting students. RTI's academic focus may not be broad enough to support all students. In some instances, behavioral and social-emotional support are a prerequisite for academic success.

Which is better RTI or MTSS?

A multi-tier system of supports (MTSS) is more comprehensive. It may include the three levels of RTI. But MTSS goes beyond just academics. It also covers social and emotional supports.

Is MTSS only for behavior?

MTSS is designed to help schools identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child.” That means it supports academic growth, but many other areas, too. These include behavior, social and emotional needs, and absenteeism (not attending school).

Does MTSS lead to special education?

While MTSS is not a special education initiative, it supports all students, including students with disabilities. Therefore special education staff should play an integral role in the design and development of the multi-tiered system of support.

Is PBIS a type of MTSS?

MTSS is an umbrella framework that includes both RTI and PBIS.

What do school counselors do in MTSS?

Guided by review of student data, school counselors deliver instruction, appraisal and advisement to students in Tier 1 and 2 and collaborate with other specialist instructional support personnel, educators and families to provide appropriate instruction and learning supports for students in Tier 2 within the school's ...

What does an MTSS teacher do?

MTSS definition

In this tiered, data-informed framework, educators work to ensure that the majority of students respond to core instruction. Students who need additional support for enrichment or remediation are identified by data and provided that support with the right focus and intensity.

What are the steps in the MTSS process?