We promote the implementation of an integrated academic and SEB framework, which includes these primary focus areas.
Literacy
In a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, literacy is a foundational element that plays a crucial role in supporting the academic success of all students. The MTSS framework provides a continuum of interventions and support systems to meet the diverse needs of learners. Within this framework, literacy is viewed as a multifaceted skill set encompassing reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking.
At the universal or Tier 1 level of MTSS, literacy instruction focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based instruction to all students. It involves establishing a strong foundation in reading and writing skills, promoting language development, and fostering a love for reading. Teachers implement research-based instructional strategies, engage students in meaningful literacy activities, and continuously monitor their progress to ensure they are meeting grade-level expectations.
However, despite the robust universal instruction, some students may require additional support to achieve literacy proficiency. In a multi-tiered system of supports, Tier 2 interventions come into play. These interventions are targeted and tailored to address the specific needs of students who are struggling with literacy. Through ongoing progress monitoring and data analysis, educators identify students who require additional support and provide them with small-group instruction, targeted interventions, and supplemental materials. These interventions may include explicit instruction in phonics, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and writing skills, among others.
For students who continue to struggle with literacy even after receiving Tier 2 interventions, Tier 3 interventions are available. At this level, a more intensive and individualized approach is implemented to meet the unique needs of these students. Specialized interventions, personalized learning plans, and individualized instructional strategies are designed to address their specific difficulties comprehensively. This may involve one-on-one tutoring, intensive small-group instruction, assistive technology, or other research-based interventions tailored to the students' needs.
Throughout the MTSS framework, a data-driven approach is adopted to ensure continuous monitoring of student progress and the effectiveness of interventions. Regular assessment and progress monitoring tools are used to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, make informed instructional decisions, and adjust interventions accordingly.
Literacy within an MTSS framework is a comprehensive approach that acknowledges and addresses the diverse needs of students. It promotes high-quality instruction for all students while providing targeted interventions and support systems for those who require additional assistance. By implementing evidence-based practices, continuous progress monitoring, and personalized interventions, the MTSS framework aims to empower all students to become proficient and confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Opportunities to Learn More
- Read the Michigan Department of Education’s Dyslexia Handbook.
- Explore the Michigan Department of Education’s news release related to the Dyslexia Handbook.
- View the Literacy Playlists on the MiMTSS TA Center YouTube Channel.
- Read Intensifying Literacy Instruction: Essential Practices and visit the National Center on Intensive Intervention’s webpage: Intensifying Literacy Instruction for a cross-posting of this document and supplemental resources.
- Sign up for the MiMTSS TA Center listserv to receive notification of upcoming training opportunities.
Social, Emotional, Behavior (SEB)
Within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, social-emotional behavioral supports (SEB) play a critical role in promoting the overall well-being and success of students. MTSS is an approach that provides a continuum of interventions and support systems to address the diverse social, emotional, and behavioral needs of learners. It recognizes that these factors are intertwined with academic achievement and must be effectively addressed to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
At the universal or Tier 1 level of MTSS, social, emotional, behavioral supports are integrated into the school-wide environment to promote positive behavior, emotional well-being, and social skills for all students. This includes the establishment of clear behavior expectations, the implementation of school-wide programs that foster social-emotional development, and the provision of a safe and supportive climate. Educators may incorporate explicit instruction on social-emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making, into the curriculum. Tier 1 supports aim to create a positive school culture that supports the social, emotional and behavioral needs of all learners with a focus on prevention.
However, some students may require additional support to develop and maintain positive social-emotional behaviors. Tier 2 interventions within the MTSS framework are targeted at students who may be at risk of developing more significant challenges. These interventions provide additional instruction and support to address specific social-emotional needs and reinforce positive behaviors. Students in Tier 2 may participate in small-group interventions, counseling, mentoring, or targeted social skills training. Regular progress monitoring helps identify the effectiveness of these interventions and informs decision-making regarding ongoing support.
For a smaller subset of students who require more intensive support, Tier 3 interventions are available. These interventions provide highly individualized and intensive services to address significant social-emotional and behavioral challenges. Tier 3 supports involve collaboration between educators, counselors, mental health professionals, and families to develop comprehensive plans tailored to the specific needs of each student. Individualized behavior plans, counseling, therapy, or other specialized interventions are implemented to support students' social-emotional well-being and behavioral growth.
A key aspect of the MTSS framework is the use of data-driven decision-making throughout all tiers of support. Regular assessments, observations, and progress monitoring tools are used to identify students' social-emotional strengths and areas for improvement, track their progress, and adjust interventions accordingly. This data helps educators make informed decisions about the effectiveness of interventions, adjust strategies, and allocate resources appropriately.
Social-emotional behavioral supports (SEB) within an MTSS framework focus on promoting positive social-emotional development, addressing behavioral challenges, and creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Through universal, targeted, and intensive interventions, MTSS seeks to meet the diverse social-emotional needs of students. By integrating evidence-based practices, ongoing assessment, and collaborative decision-making, the framework aims to foster students' social-emotional well-being, positive behavior, and academic success.
Opportunities to Learn More
- Learn about the Center on PBIS.
- Learn about the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
- View the Behavior Playlists on the MiMTSS TA Center YouTube Channel.
- Review the Interconnected Systems Framework resources available from the Center on PBIS.
- Sign up for the MiMTSS TA Center listserv to receive notification of upcoming training opportunities.
Early Childhood
Within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, early childhood education plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for children's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. MTSS in early childhood focuses on providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to support the diverse needs of young learners.
At the universal or Tier 1 level of MTSS, early childhood educators implement evidence-based practices that promote the overall development of all children in their care. This includes creating a safe and nurturing environment, establishing predictable routines, and providing high-quality instruction that addresses multiple domains of development. In the early childhood setting, these domains typically include cognitive development, language and literacy, social-emotional skills, physical development, and approaches to learning. Tier 1 supports aim to provide a strong foundation for all children, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed and thrive.
However, some children may require additional support to meet their unique needs and reach their full potential. In Tier 2 of a multi-tiered system of supports, educators closely monitor children's progress and use screening tools and assessments to identify those who may benefit from targeted interventions. Tier 2 supports in early childhood may involve embedded instruction, small-group instruction, individualized interventions, or supplemental materials that specifically address the areas of need. These instructional supports may target specific developmental domains, such as language development, pre-literacy skills, or social skills.
For a smaller subset of children who require more intensive support, Tier 3 interventions are available. At this level, a highly individualized and comprehensive approach is implemented to meet the specific needs of these children. Collaboration between educators, specialists, and families is vital in developing and implementing personalized plans. Tier 3 supports in early childhood may involve individualized instruction, one-on-one intervention, specialized therapies, or additional services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support. The goal is to provide intensive interventions that address the unique challenges and help children develop the skills necessary for success.
In the early childhood MTSS framework, family engagement is crucial. Educators collaborate with families to gather information about children's development, strengths, and challenges, and to develop strategies that can be implemented both at school and at home. Family members are active participants in the decision-making process, contributing their expertise and insights to support their child's growth and development.
Throughout the MTSS framework in early childhood, ongoing data collection and analysis play a central role. Regular observations, screenings, assessments, and progress monitoring tools are used to identify children's strengths and areas for improvement, track their progress, and make informed decisions about the effectiveness of interventions. This data-driven approach ensures that interventions are adjusted, adapted, and individualized to meet the changing needs of young learners.
Early childhood within an MTSS framework emphasizes a comprehensive approach to support the development of young children. By providing high-quality universal instruction, targeted supports, and intensive interventions, the MTSS framework ensures that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential across multiple domains of development. Collaboration with families, ongoing assessment, and data-driven decision-making are integral components of this approach, facilitating optimal growth, and preparing children for future academic and life success.
Opportunities to Learn More
- Learn about the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI).
- View an Overview of the Pyramid Model.
- Review The Pyramid Model: PBS in Early Childhood Programs and its Relation to School-wide PBS from the NCPMI.
- Review the Lise Fox, Early Childhood MTSS Webinar (June 2020).
- Sign up for the MiMTSS TA Center listserv to receive notification of upcoming training opportunities.
Family Partnerships
Family partnerships are a fundamental component of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework. Recognizing the critical role that families play in supporting a child's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development, MTSS emphasizes collaborative relationships between educators and families to create a unified and comprehensive support system.
At all tiers of the MTSS framework, family partnerships are valued and fostered. Families are recognized as experts on their children and are viewed as essential partners in decision-making processes, goal setting, and the implementation of interventions. Effective family partnerships involve open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the child's success.
At the universal or Tier 1 level of MTSS, family partnerships focus on creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Educators actively engage families to build strong home-school connections, establish consistent routines, and promote the importance of education in the child's life. Regular communication between educators and families helps ensure that parents are informed about their child's progress, learning activities, and ways they can support their child's development at home. Educators also seek input from families to understand their child's strengths, needs, and cultural background, which helps inform instructional practices and interventions.
As the tiers progress, family partnerships become even more crucial. In Tier 2, when targeted interventions are provided to students who require additional support, educators collaborate closely with families to gather additional information about the child's needs, strengths, and challenges. This partnership helps create a more comprehensive understanding of the child's needs and ensures that interventions are aligned between home and school. Families may be involved in the development and implementation of intervention plans, and regular progress updates and feedback are shared to monitor the child's progress.
In Tier 3, where intensive individualized support is provided, family partnerships become even more personalized and involved. Educators work closely with families to develop highly individualized intervention plans that address the child's specific challenges. Regular meetings, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings, provide opportunities for families to contribute their insights, discuss goals, and make decisions together. Collaboration with outside agencies, such as therapists or specialists, may also involve families in accessing necessary services and coordinating support across different settings.
Throughout the MTSS framework, educators recognize and respect the diversity of families and actively work to create inclusive practices. They strive to understand and value the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families, promoting an environment where all families feel welcomed and respected. By building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect, family partnerships within the MTSS framework foster a sense of shared responsibility and collective accountability for the child's success.
Family partnerships within a multi-tiered system of supports framework are essential for creating a collaborative and comprehensive support system for students. By actively engaging families, educators ensure that interventions are aligned between home and school, families are informed and involved in decision-making processes, and the child's diverse needs and strengths are considered. Effective family partnerships promote positive relationships, open communication, and shared responsibility, ultimately enhancing the child's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes within the MTSS framework.
Opportunities to Learn More
- Learn about the Michigan Department of Education’s MiFamily Framework.
- Sign up for the MiMTSS TA Center listserv to receive notification of upcoming training opportunities.