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

MTSS or “Multi Tiered System of Supports” is a framework intended to support ALL students and is based on prevention. The framework integrates instruction and intervention, e.g., Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Response to Intervention (RTI), Support Support Team (SST), Student Mental Health (SMH), and Wraparound Services based on individual student need. The primary tenets of MTSS include:

• Academic and behavioral screenings for all students in order to identify students in need of support
• Progressively intensive implementation of evidence-based interventions and/or strategies to increase performance of those students who have been identified as needing additional support
• Frequent progress monitoring (academic or behavioral) for those students who are receiving interventions in order determine whether the student has “responded to the intervention.”

 In summary, the MTSS framework assumes that instructional needs/deficits are the primary cause of academic or behavioral difficulties.  Given this assumption, students who are experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties are provided with increased academic and behavioral supports to attempt to remediate the deficits.  If the student is found to not respond to the increased supports, students may then be referred for a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine if there is a disability present that is impeding the child from performing adequately.

Dr. April Smith, Ed. D.    

District Intervention Services Coordinator/PBIS Coach

Phone# 229-931-8515

Email: asmith@sumterschools.org