Is Your MTSS Really Working? Key Indicators of Success
Research shows that Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an effective framework for addressing students’ diverse needs and fostering academic success. Yet, despite the evidence, educators often defer to a special education referral for such students. This type of response for supporting struggling learners may be a quick fix; however, it can have long-term unintended detrimental consequences for students and educators.
First, consider a pre-assessment of the components of MTSS currently in place. The following are steps to evaluate your MTSS:
- Collect and Analyze Data: Gather student achievement, behavior, and attendance data and use it to identify trends and patterns.
- Conduct Student and Staff Surveys: Gather feedback on the effectiveness of MTSS from students, teachers, and parents.
- Observe Classroom Practices: Observe classrooms to assess the implementation of MTSS components.
- Review Intervention Effectiveness: Evaluate the impact of interventions on student outcomes.
- Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for MTSS implementation.
For MTSS to be a proactive, data-driven approach that provides students with the support they need, each of the following key components should be in place:
- Universal screening: Identifying students who may need additional support.
- Tiered interventions: Providing increasingly intensive support based on student needs.
- Progress monitoring: Tracking student progress to inform decision-making.
- Data-based decision-making: Using data to guide instructional and support decisions.
The level of success for effective implementation involves fulfilling each of these components with fidelity. Each component requires a process, training, resources, support for teachers, and a method for reflection and action planning. Good systems will result in several success indicators, including:
- Improved Student Outcomes:
- Increased academic achievement for all students
- Reduced discipline referrals and office visits
- Improved attendance rates
- Higher graduation rates
- Data-Driven Decision Making:
- Consistent use of data to inform instruction and intervention
- Regular review of student progress data
- Effective use of data to identify patterns and trends
- Strong Collaboration:
- Effective collaboration among teachers, administrators, and support staff
- Shared responsibility for student success
- Open communication and problem-solving
- Positive School Climate:
- Increased student engagement and motivation
- Improved teacher morale and job satisfaction
- Stronger relationships between students and adults
A well-implemented MTSS offers many benefits for students, teachers, and the school community. It allows students to reach their full potential, provides teachers with a framework for engaging diverse learners, brings grade-level standards within reach for students, and promotes a growth mindset. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and data-driven decision-making, MTSS can transform your school into a place of success and growth for all.
