“Around 15 percent of the world’s population, or estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. They are the world’s largest minority.”
Special education and MTSS both provide support for students within the classroom. But MTSS and special education (SPED) are not the same things. Both are rooted in the foundation of creating an equitable learning environment for all learners. However, MTSS is a system of support for all students. Special education is an extensive framework of resources, laws, specialized services, and staff designed to support the education of millions of students identified with a qualifying disability.
But that does not mean the two exist independently of one another. MTSS is designed to meet the needs of all students. The essential components built into a system of MTSS are created to help all learners access grade-level content, receive timely intervention, and guide educators in data-driven decision-making.
