69´«Ã½

Teaching Download

The Essential Components of MTSS: A Downloadable Guide

By Gina Tomko & Eesha Pendharkar — October 13, 2023 1 min read
Vector illustration of a pyramid with 3 separate sections and three students linked to each section.
  • Save to favorites
  • Print
Email Copy URL

Multi-tiered systems of supports, or MTSS, is a framework centered around the idea that all students have different needs at school, whether academic, behavioral, social, or emotional.

MTSS relies on evidence-based tiers of instruction. Districts typically use a three-tier model, collect data on student performance, and tailor instruction accordingly.

Tier 1 is core instruction, otherwise known as general classroom instruction, which all students receive, and should include social-emotional learning components, according to , a nonprofit center associated with the American Institutes for Research that supports districts in implementing the framework.

See Also

Illustration of people climbing stacks of books. There are 3 stacks of books at different heights with people helping people climb up.
iStock/Getty
Special Education Explainer MTSS: What Is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports?
Eesha Pendharkar, October 13, 2023
7 min read

At Tier 2, schools should provide small group instruction for students struggling to learn at Tier 1. Tier 2 supports can include behavioral or mental health supports, if necessary.

For the minority of students who need the most intensive supports, Tier 3 should offer them based on the students’ personal needs.

The tiered system should be accompanied by data collection and evaluation of student performance and behavior, according to MTSS models.

Thousands of districts across the country use MTSS models, and virtually every state department of education has MTSS framework guidance for local districts on their websites, according to multiple experts who spoke with EdWeek.

Here is a downloadable guide to the essential components of MTSS:

Related Tags:

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Artificial Intelligence Webinar
AI and Educational Leadership: Driving Innovation and Equity
Discover how to leverage AI to transform teaching, leadership, and administration. Network with experts and learn practical strategies.
Content provided by 
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
School Climate & Safety Webinar
Investing in Success: Leading a Culture of Safety and Support
Content provided by 
Assessment K-12 Essentials Forum Making Competency-Based Learning a Reality
Join this free virtual event to hear from educators and experts working to implement competency-based education.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.

Read Next

Teaching Opinion 3 Stories About How Teachers Turned Things Around With a Student
Some students struggle with learning how to function in a classroom. With patience and understanding, teachers can change that dynamic.
9 min read
Conceptual illustration of classroom conversations and fragmented education elements coming together to form a cohesive picture of a book of classroom knowledge.
Sonia Pulido for Education Week
Teaching Opinion The Hidden Benefits of Distraction in the Classroom
Distraction can support healthy emotional regulation—but only when properly understood. Here’s what teachers need to know.
Eliya Ahmad & Zi Jia Ng
4 min read
Concept art, idea of brain and psychology, surreal painting, conceptual illustration. Distracted mind, emotional regulation.
Jorm Sangsorn/iStock
Teaching Opinion 5 Urgent Classroom Issues for Teachers, According to Larry Ferlazzo
What educators and researchers need to know.
3 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Struggling to Discuss the Election in Class? These 5 Steps Can Help
For many teachers, political anxiety is the elephant in the classroom. The science of emotional intelligence can offer clarity.
Marc A. Brackett & Robin S. Stern
5 min read
The elephant in the classroom.
iStock/Getty Images