What Is MTSS? — Multi-Tiered System of Supports Guide

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework that provides targeted support to every student through increasing levels of intensity. It integrates academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning into a single system.

MTSS builds on Response to Intervention (RTI) but is broader in scope. While RTI focuses primarily on academic intervention, MTSS addresses the whole child — academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional wellbeing.

Tier 1 (Universal) serves all students through high-quality core instruction, school-wide behavioral expectations, and universal screening. About 80% of students should be successful with Tier 1 alone.

Tier 2 (Targeted) serves students who need additional support beyond Tier 1. This typically means small-group intervention 2-3 times per week, targeting specific skill gaps identified through screening data. About 15% of students need Tier 2.

Tier 3 (Intensive) serves students with significant needs who haven't responded to Tier 1 and 2 supports. Tier 3 involves individualized, intensive intervention — often daily, one-on-one or very small group. About 5% of students need Tier 3.

RTI is primarily academic — it focuses on reading and math intervention. MTSS encompasses RTI but adds behavioral supports (often through PBIS), social-emotional learning, and addresses attendance and other factors that affect student success.

Think of MTSS as the umbrella framework and RTI as one component within it. Most states are moving toward MTSS because it addresses the interconnected nature of academic and behavioral challenges.

As a classroom teacher, you are primarily responsible for Tier 1 — delivering high-quality instruction that reaches most students. You also play key roles in universal screening (administering benchmark assessments), progress monitoring (tracking student growth), and participating in data meetings to identify students who need additional support.

When a student in your class receives Tier 2 or Tier 3 support, you continue providing Tier 1 instruction while collaborating with intervention specialists. You may also implement some Tier 2 strategies in your classroom, like targeted small-group instruction or additional practice opportunities.

MTSS relies on data at every level. Universal screening (3x/year) identifies students at risk. Progress monitoring (weekly to monthly) tracks whether interventions are working. Decision rules guide when to intensify, maintain, or fade supports.

The goal is to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for students to fail, MTSS identifies struggling students early and provides support before they fall far behind.