What is MTSS?
MTSS stands for Multi-Tier System of Supports, a system of individualized instruction supported by the Kansas State Dept. of Education. For reading, this team approach to instruction provides small and large group instruction at each student’s success level. Each “tier” introduces, practices, and provides mastery-level instruction in the reading and comprehension process. The purpose of this method of instruction is to more adequately meet the reading goals of ALL students.
Basehor Elementary Schools’ MTSS model consists of three tiers of instruction-intervention, each tier offering services more intensive than the tier below it.
In Tier I, all students receive high quality reading curriculum and instruction in the general education classroom. The teacher assists all students.
In Tier II, teachers will provide supplemental instructional support, in smaller groups, to students who need additional support to what they are receiving from the general curriculum. All students will receive this reading instruction at their level during Bluejay Time.
In Tier III, intense instructional support is provided to students with the greatest needs during a Bluejay Trio and that fits in their schedule. Students will be assessed frequently to determine if their needs of instruction have changed. The students are moved to the level of instruction that best fits their needs on a regular basis. The purpose of this method of instruction is to more adequately meet the reading goals of all students.
What are the key components to any MTSS process?
There are three key components to the MTSS process. The first key component to the MTSS process is that all children receive high quality curriculum and instruction in the general education classroom (Tier I).
The second component of the MTSS process is that the school conducts universal screenings. Universal screenings review the progress of all students, these screenings are typically given three times a year. Universal screenings help schools identify students who may need more support or other types of instruction. As a result of universal screening, students may be identified as needing supplemental instruction (a Tier II level of support) in addition to the high quality instruction they are receiving in Tier I. Research based interventions are used to support students in the area of need.
Third key component to the MTSS process is progress monitoring. Progress monitoring is a way for teachers to take a snapshot of how children are doing on a specific skill. It shows how well the intervention is working. It includes observations, tests, and other formal and informal assessments. Progress monitoring helps determine whether an intervention is successful or needs to be adjusted.