Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

As part of the District’s annual 2019-2020 goals, SMUSHD educators built and implemented an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support designed to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. 

The MTSS framework is characterized by a continuum of support reflecting the need for all students, including high achievers and students with lagging skills, to have fluid access to instruction and intervention of varying intensity. 

MTSS broadens the definition of student success to prioritize the whole child and improves outcomes related to attendance, academics, school climate, discipline, graduation rates, engaged citizenship, and overall well-being. 

Tier I is a key component of the MTSS framework, providing data-driven future ready instruction and timely interventions to all students. Examples of Tier I practices include proactive and prosocial school-wide expectations, building community and relationships, social-emotional based teaching practices, and differentiated high quality instruction.

Tier II provides targeted support for those students who demonstrate a need in addition to Tier I universal instruction and intervention. Students receiving Tier II supports participate in short-term, rapid response small group interventions focused on building academic skills and social-emotional competencies.  Examples include participation in a group where students experiencing a challenging life event have the opportunity to talk through and process difficult emotions.

Tier III refers to academic and social emotional interventions provided for students who demonstrate a need for intensive and individualized support in addition to Tier I and Tier II.