Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a research-based framework for the systemic alignment of school-wide practices, programs, and services to support both the non-academic (social, emotional, mental and behavioral health and wellness needs) and academic development of students, as well as address the physical and psychological safety of all individuals within the school community.

The MTSS framework incorporates a multidisciplinary process that includes school staff, students (as appropriate), families, and community partners to provide support to students. The MTSS framework is based on tiers of support beginning with universal supports (including screenings) provided to all students and increasing in levels of supports or tiers that range from targeted to intensive interventions. To achieve the greatest impact, interventions and supports must be implemented with consistency and fidelity.

The MTSS framework should address school climate, academic support, behavioral health and mental health services and support, and integrated student supports, which includes community partnerships.

Academic Support

Establishing campus and classroom culture routines that promote student readiness to learn supports students' academic development. Established and effective routines provide a learning environment that promotes academic risk-taking and student ownership of learning so that all students can engage with standards-aligned, high quality learning experiences that facilitate the development of the knowledge and skills that prepare them for college, a career, or military service.

Regular monitoring of student academic development within the classroom provides educators with opportunities to adjust classroom routines and instructional strategies and provide students with additional supports to meet their needs. Student response to the supports is monitored through the multidisciplinary process embedded in the MTSS framework. When the need for additional support is identified, students are provided with targeted or intensive intervention. Addressing non-academic (social, emotional, mental and behavioral health and wellness needs) and academic development of students through the MTSS framework enables students to reach their full potential.

Behavioral Health and Mental Health Services and Support

Comprehensive school mental health systems support the safety, academic success, and well-being of students. The comprehensive school mental health system is built on a strong foundation that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to plan, implement, and improve the system; conducts regular needs assessments to understand the strengths, gaps, and needs within the local context; selects and implements culturally-responsive services and supports that are backed by evidence of their effectiveness, and engages in on-going performance monitoring and quality improvement.

Key Concepts -- Comprehensive School Mental Health systems provide a continuum of services and supports intended to:

Promote a positive school climate;
Teach and support skills for social, emotional, and behavioral health;
Prevent mental health and substance abuse problems;
Intervene early to reduce the severity of mental health concerns; and
Provide school-based and community-based interventions and supports to students and families.

Integrated Student Supports

Integrated student supports encompass a wide variety of interventions, supports, and practices that schools implement to improve student academic outcomes by addressing the academic and non-academic needs that often pose a barrier to teaching and learning. This work is grounded in the understanding that educational success is directly impacted by factors both within and outside of the classroom and that the needs of the "whole child" must be met using a wraparound approach to maximize the effectiveness of academic instruction.

Schools that implement integrated student supports use a data driven approach to identify and address the factors impacting students’ educational success and to monitor the effectiveness of the services and supports provided to the students and their families. The factors impacting educational success are identified through the analysis of data collected using a needs assessment. Based on the identified needs, the school can develop and deliver universal supports and provide targeted and intensive interventions and services to students and their families. Schools engage in partnerships with community, county, and state organizations to provide students and their families with coordinated services. Regular data tracking ensures that student needs are met on a consistent basis.

Integrated student supports are aligned with the MTSS framework and enhance both academic and non-academic outcomes for students.