Inclusionary Resources Directory

Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an educational framework used to provide academic and behavioral support to students in a systematic and proactive way. MTSS is designed to meet the needs of all students by providing multiple levels of support, from universal supports for all students to targeted interventions for students who need additional assistance.

The MTSS model is typically organized into three tiers:

  1. Tier 1: Universal supports: These are the supports that are provided to all students in the general education setting. These may include high-quality instruction, differentiated instruction, and classroom management strategies.

  2. Tier 2: Targeted supports: These are additional supports provided to students who are not making adequate progress with the universal supports. These supports may include small-group instruction, check-in/check-out programs, and targeted interventions to address specific skill deficits.

  3. Tier 3: Intensive supports: These are highly individualized supports provided to students who require more intensive interventions to make progress. These may include one-on-one instruction, intensive interventions, and specialized programs.

MTSS is based on a data-driven problem-solving approach that involves ongoing assessment and progress monitoring to determine the effectiveness of the supports provided at each tier. By using data to make informed decisions about the effectiveness of interventions, educators can adjust and refine supports to ensure that all students are making progress toward their goals.

Best Practices

Aidan Aumell

School Mental Health within MTSS

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the May 2019 edition of the OSSI Newsletter. Due to a technical glitch, it has been reposted and

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Improving School Climate Through a Tiered Approach

Schools are developing multi-tiered systems of supports to provide positive outcomes for their students. Over the past several years, efforts toward improving “school climate” have

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

What is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)?

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework for enhancing the implementation of evidence-based practices to achieve important outcomes for every student. The MTSS framework

CEEDAR WA

Overview of MTSS in Washington State

Presented by Shelley Moore and Katie Novak, this video provides an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Washington State. Watch the full presentation

North East Washington Educational Service District 101

ESD 101’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

In this video, coordinator Stephanie Detrick discusses ESD 101’s efforts and strategies to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support throughout the schools in their district.

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CEEDAR

MTSS & Mathematics – Best Practices

This video provides an overview of multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) best practices and frameworks in teaching mathematics. Learn about instructional best practices across the

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UW Haring Center for Inclusive Education & UW Demosites

MTSS Tip Sheet Video

Learn about the foundations of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) in schools. This video covers (1) what is MTSS, (2) the importance of MTSS, (3)