What does MTSS stand for?
MTSS is an acronym for Multi-Tiered System of Support.

What is the purpose of MTSS at the site level? 
MTSS is a tiered system of support. The purpose is to make available increasingly intensive supports for any student who is in need of intervention or enrichment in academic, behavior, and/or social-emotional/mental health areas. Teachers determine needed supports student data. MTSS is intended to maximize instruction and learning outcomes for all students.

What is the purpose of MTSS at the district level?
The district-level MTSS team coordinates and connects resources and professional development to ensure access to supports for all SMMUSD students. The team evaluates resources for effectiveness. Members support MTSS efforts at the school sites.

Is MTSS the same as RTI?
Response to Intervention (RTI) was the first framework to focus on preventively using data to guide instruction and intervention in reading. After many years of implementation all over the country, it was noted that some key components would make it more effective. Ways to address the needs of the whole child-not just their academic skills-were necessary. MTSS provides a framework that addresses the whole child.

Which students are affected by MTSS?
All students are positively impacted by the MTSS framework. The foundation of MTSS is strong, standards-aligned Tier I instruction. All teachers use best, evidence-based instructional strategies and supports in the classroom to deliver core instruction in the content areas, behavior, and social-emotional skills instruction.

Can students receive support in different areas at the same time?
Yes. All tier decisions are made based on data points. Students may move back and forth through the tiers throughout the year; they do not have to move through the tiers sequentially. For example, the same student may receive tier III support in reading, tier II behavior support, and appropriately respond to tier I instruction for mathematics. 

Is MTSS just for students who may qualify for special education?
No. The purpose of MTSS is to identify early and respond to needs more proactively. The intentional focus on screening, tiered instruction, and support helps students grow in all areas no matter where they start. 

Can a student receiving special education services participate in MTSS interventions?
Yes. All MTSS interventions are aligned to meet the needs of individual students. Students with special needs would participate in the same interventions as their classroom peers with similar needs.

Is Tiered instruction a way to label students? 
The tiers, or layers of support, are a way to organize instruction, interventions, and resources based on student need. They do not represent the identity of any child. For example, there is no such thing as a “Tier III student.” Rather, students with substantial academic, behavioral, or mental health needs are students “in need of Tier III support.”

What role do parents play in the MTSS process? 
Parents are a very important member of the educational team! Universal screening results (ie: Star ELA and math scores) will be shared with parents throughout the year. If the teachers determine that a student’s data points indicate the need for Tier II or III intervention/support, parents will be made aware of that recommendation. Student progress being made while in intervention will be shared with families, as well. If a child is not responding to intervention, a Student Success Team meeting may be convened where educators and parents meet to discuss next steps.