MTSS Systems of Supports

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is more of a comprehensive three-tiered framework used in schools to provide targeted academic and behavioral support to all students. It is similar to RtI in many ways. MTSS utilizes a tiered system of support, with increasing levels of intensity to match student needs. 

Tier 1: High-quality, evidence-based instruction for all students in the general education classroom. Approximately 80% of students are successful learners with high-quality Tier 1 instruction.

Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support beyond Tier 1. This should be no more than 10-15% of the student population.

Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students who require the most support. This is the smallest percentage of students, approximately 5%.

MTSS emphasizes the use of data to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions in the same way RtI does. It also utilizes universal screening to identify students at risk of academic and behavioral failures or those who are falling behind their peers in these areas. MTSS uses ongoing progress monitoring to track student data as they work in tiered interventions. It also requires educators to use data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Somewhat unlike RtI however, MTSS uses comprehensive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports.  Like RtI, MTSS programs are prevention-oriented, that focus on early intervention for behavior and academic difficulties. MTSS encourages stakeholder collaboration among school, caregivers, students, and community partners through an integrated system of support.

Some of the goals of MTSS that are similar to RtI include:

• All students get the support they need to succeed.
• All students get equitable access to high-quality instruction and interventions.
• Student outcomes are enveloped within academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning.

MTSS is typically considered a more comprehensive framework that encompasses Response to Intervention (RTI). Many believe that RTI primarily focuses on academic interventions, but that is not always the case. Some districts and school programs around the country use RtI for behavior as well.  MTSS expands the idea of RtI to include behavioral and social-emotional support. School districts may use MTSS programming, such as School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) or PBIS to promote a safe and effective learning environment for all students. In this case, all students are involved in MTSS programming, not just ones who might be struggling academically or behaviorally.  MTSS is similar to RtI, but the frameworks and labels are not interchangeable. It is important to understand the differences between the two systems of support. MTSS is a similar tiered system of support to RtI with the similar goals and purpose: to support students with early intervention so that needs are met as soon as issues are identified. The second goal is prevention: MTSS provides tiered, or increasing levels, of support for students to prevent them from falling behind their peers. Many schools and districts provide tiered support for students in need in the form of MTSS for both academics and behavior.

MTSS is like RtI in that it provides a system of tiered support for students who are not meeting grade level standards in academics and/or behavior. There is a structured system in place to help students meet grade level standards or be moved into the next tier of intervention according to the progress data. Both RtI and MTSS recognize that even with strong general education, or Tier 1 instruction, a smaller number of students will need extra support in the form of Tier 2 targeted intervention and/or Tier 3 intensive intervention.

Watch this video for more information on MTSS:

YouTube Video: “Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS)” by Resilient Spaces