MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)

Introduction

A major concern for parents and teachers is how to help children who are experiencing difficulty learning in school. Of course, everyone wants to see the child succeed, and it can be very frustrating when a child falls behind in learning to read or do math, struggles to achieve in other subjects or experiences problems with behavior in school.

Children learn in different ways. Some children need more help or supervision than others. Examples of educational concerns include:

Reading (mechanics, vocabulary, comprehension)
Math (applied math, calculation, facts)
Written language (spelling, organization, grammar)
Attention, listening, following directions
Behavior (following rules, complying with teacher requests, socializing with peers)
Work quality, homework completion

If a classroom teacher is concerned about a student’s progress in a certain area, they will employ interventions intended to improve the student’s performance. There are a variety of methods a teacher may choose to accomplish this result. If the student continues to have difficulty, the MTSS coordinator will meet with the teacher, other school staff, and parents to discuss the child’s needs, consider other interventions, and carefully outline a method to monitor the student’s progress. The insight and expertise of the various school staff members and parents are brought together in what is called the Teacher Support Team (TST).

What is MTSS?

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a process that provides interventions and educational support to all students at increasing levels of intensity based on their individual needs. The goal is to prevent problems and intervene early so that students can be successful.

MTSS is a process designed to help schools focus on interventions that are matched to student needs and monitored regularly. The information gained from the MTSS process is used by school personnel and parents to adapt instruction and make decisions regarding the student’s educational program.

How many tiers are there?

What do I do if I believe my child is struggling in school?

o Talk with your child’s teacher;
o Review and assist with homework assignments;
o Ask for regular progress monitoring reports;
o Learn more about the curriculum, assessments, and interventions being used;
o Reinforce at home any strategies or interventions used at school;
o Participate in the TST process;
o Celebrate your child’s successes.

How Are Parents Involved in MTSS?

Parents play a critical role in supporting what their child is learning in school. The more parents are involved in student learning; the more likely students will be successful in school.

Through the TST Team:

• You will be informed about interventions planned for your child.
• You will see levels of support (academic and/or behavioral) that increase or decrease in intensity depending on your child’s needs.
• You will receive regular progress monitoring reports about how your child responds to the interventions provided.

Ways to stay in touch.