Educators know that meetings are a big part of the job—especially MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) meetings, which are all about figuring out how to best support students who need extra help. But without proper planning and focus, these meetings can quickly go from being super helpful to feeling like a total waste of time.
| Preparation Matters: Sharing agendas in advance keeps MTSS meetings focused, productive, and efficient. Stay Structured and Data-Driven: Effective MTSS meetings avoid distractions, rely on student data, and end with clear, actionable steps. Build Trust and Inclusivity: A culture of trust encourages honest, collaborative discussions in MTSS meetings. |
Jodee Nelson, a Title 1 Coordinator and K-3 Reading Specialist from Lincoln County, Wyoming, with nearly 20 years of experience, recently shared her tips on how to make MTSS meetings more effective for both students and teachers.
One of the most effective ways to provide intervention for secondary students is through a school-wide WIN (What I Need)period. WIN is a scheduled but flexible time block where teachers provide targeted support and enrichment to students based on their individual needs. WIN time should be planned to include both intervention and enrichment.
Secondary Intervention MTSS Highlights |
When launching a school-wide or district-wide initiative like WIN time, several legitimate concerns arise:
- How do we schedule the time with all the competing priorities?
- What should teachers do with the time?
- How do we ensure dynamic groups allow students to move in and out as needed?
- How do we support teachers in effectively implementing interventions?
As school districts across the country implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to address student needs, many administrators are trying to figure out where the money will come from.
While some funds may be available to improve MTSS overall, many funding sources are available for school districts to implement specific components of MTSS—either across a district or for specific populations of students:
- MTSS is a long-term practice, so federal funding remains the most sustained source of funding for MTSS programs.
- State formula funding varies and is subject to state education budgets.
- State competitive grants are often funded annually but will require districts to file grant applications for each cycle.
The takeaway? Districts may have to look to several funding sources and combine them to fund their MTSS.
As we bid farewell to 2024 (what a year it's been!) and prepare for the new year, it’s the perfect time to highlight some of the game-changing MTSS resources and stories you loved this year!
From improving reading outcomes to creating behavioral support systems that work for students and teachers, these resources can help enhance your MTSS intervention strategies for 2025.
The success of any Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework hinges on one critical factor: how well resources are aligned to address students' needs.
From funding and staffing to time and data, the challenge for schools lies in turning the possibility of comprehensive mental health and academic support into practice that delivers better student outcomes.
Educators and school leaders across the nation are navigating the complexities of implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). While the framework offers data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes, it requires significant effort to execute effectively. During our 2023 MTSS Summit, Dr. Judy Elliott and Dr. George Batsche, leading experts on MTSS, joined us to share their insights on the current trends, challenges, and methodologies shaping MTSS.
From my first teaching job almost 30 years ago to the present, I’ve seen it all when it comes to discipline incident reporting. I've had lengthy paper forms in triplicate, slick mobile apps, and everything in between - with many of these changes in documentation driven by ever-increasing state requirements.
For teachers who are managing challenging behavior in the classroom, writing up a detailed discipline referral sometimes feels like a time-consuming chore with no guarantee of meaningful follow-up or consequences. But what if we intentionally set up behavior documentation not just to meet requirements or as a “gotcha” for misbehaving students, but as a powerful tool for change?
Before becoming a professional development consultant with Branching Minds, I spent 34 years in the roles of teacher, interventionist, and instructional specialist; and I’m currently supporting a school district as they continue to improve their MTSS system. My roles allow me to spend time with teachers and administrators from all over the country. And while fall has everyone drinking, eating, and smelling all things pumpkin...for those in education, this season also ushers in a time of data and stress.
Universal Screening
At the beginning, middle, and end of year, scores from universal screening come rolling in. Universal Screeners are a standardized assessment tool to help educators evaluate whether core instruction is effective, and to identify students who need additional support. (Jenkins, Hudson, & Johnson, 2007).
After administering the universal screener to students, we want to see that at least 80% of students are achieving success with core instruction alone and do not need intervention support. This is the measure of an effective Tier 1 core instructional program!
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Supports in MTSS
Approximately 10% to 15% of students perform below their grade-level expectations and require additional Tier 2 instructional intervention beyond the universal classroom instruction all students receive. These students benefit from targeted small group sessions, allowing educators to address specific gaps in understanding and performance. Furthermore, about 5% of students exhibit performance well below their grade level, highlighting a need for Tier 3 individualized intervention. This involves intensive, often one-on-one, tailored instruction designed to meet unique learning needs and to bridge significant educational gaps.
During the edLeader Panel webinar, “The Role of MTSS in District Improvement: Aligning Vision and Action,” three top-notch current and former district leaders discussed change management, focusing on how a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can provide an organizing framework for accomplishing strategic goals. The panelists shared practical strategies to help anyone from seasoned K-12 superintendents to up-and-coming administrators accomplish their district goals and lead confidently.
The insightful conversation felt like peek-a-boo access to a members-only VIP coaching session with recognized industry pundits, including one who achieved a 97 percent graduation rate. They encapsulated decades of experience in a CliffsNotes version of being an effective district leader, laying a blueprint for success. Consider the following five essential factors as must-dos for effectively leading through change—with MTSS implementation!