Transforming student success: Integrating MTSS into college and career readiness programs

All students deserve a chance to succeed in school and life, and educators can provide the support needed to equip each child with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for a meaningful and productive life.

 So often, we hear students struggling to perform adequately in school. Lack of motivation, learning disabilities, lack of support from home, anxiety, and other emotional challenges are just a few of the issues facing teachers.

 Education methods are widely available to support diverse groups of learners. One of the most comprehensive proactive and preventative frameworks available to address the whole child’s needs is MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support). This effective approach, coupled with solid, well-researched CCR (College and Career Readiness) and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, provides students at all levels with cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral support, along with 21st-century skills.

 What is an MTSS framework?

 According to the Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports, MTSS is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs from a strengths-based perspective.

 Key components of the MTSS framework

 The following components are the heart of MTSS, providing effective and equitable support for all students no matter where they are academically, socially, and behaviorally. 

• Screening: Teachers assess the skills of all students to proactively identify those who need additional support (research-based, targeted instruction or intervention)
• Progress Monitoring: To determine if supports are working
• Multi-level Prevention System: Three tiers of support available
• Data-based Decision Making: Assists teachers with instructional decisions, as well as determining which tier of support is needed at what duration

 Overview of the Tiers

 With the help of a data-based curriculum, teachers can determine which tier of support would best serve each student. The tiered system ensures all students achieve high levels and are ready to succeed in college and their careers. 

 Tier 1- Core Instruction

All students receive scientific, research-based core instruction aligned with state standards. Differentiated instruction is encouraged, and all students actively engage academically and social-emotionally. Generally, 80% of the student population falls within this tier.

 Tier 2- Targeted Group Intervention

 At this tier, small group interventions for academically or behaviorally at-risk students are recommended, and group work is more intensive than in Tier 1. Teachers provide a higher level of support in terms of encouragement, feedback, and positive reinforcement. Continuous monitoring ensures students are achieving grade-level mastery. 15% of the student population falls within this tier.

 Tier 3- Intensive Individualized Intervention

 For students not responding to Tier 2 interventions, ideally, a 1-on-1 student-teacher ratio works best and possibly augmenting with small groups of 3 to 5 students. Longer durations of time are usually required. Approximately 5% of students find themselves in this tier.

 Benefits of the MTSS framework

 Equitable access

 Today’s student population is more diverse than ever. Students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities consistently have lower academic performance, higher dropout rates, and poor behavioral and social outcomes. 

Without early intervention, children fall into a continuous cycle of suspensions, expulsions, delinquency, and lower rates of employment. MTSS, uniquely designed to address the needs of all students through data-based decision-making and evidence-based tiered support, prevents academic and behavioral challenges.

 Priority on prevention

 MTSS uses a data-driven framework to identify at-risk students early on by applying a tiered intervention system. All students are screened regularly to support them cognitively, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. If interventions are needed, teachers can create student support plans and intervention plans. As with all tiers, students are monitored frequently, and decision-makers analyze the data and adjust instruction as needed.

 Improved student outcomes

 Ideally, reaching students as early as kindergarten and supporting them through grade 12 will unlock their potential and prepare them for the future. Providing high-quality instruction, screening for difficulties, and attending to academic, social, and behavioral needs with effective interventions will help them develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset to achieve in life.

 Collaboration among stakeholders is key

 The efficacy of implementation depends on the cooperation and collaboration of all involved. Collaboration among teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff, parents, and the community is vital to the success of MTSS. Educators need to work together to analyze data and create, implement, and monitor action plans with fidelity. Sharing information and insights contributes to holistically improving the outcomes of all students. 

Parents are also encouraged to participate, adding valuable perspectives on a child’s temperament, physical needs, and overall well-being. Engaging parents and the community encourages students to attend school regularly and increase performance.

 Strategies for implementing MTSS

 “The most promising strategy for sustained, substantive, school improvement is building the capacity of school personnel to function as a school community.” – Milbrey McLaughlin.

 Educators need information, support, and a solid plan with practical strategies for successful outcomes. Without buy-in, new initiatives often wither and go away. Here are a few MTSS strategies adopted by the Colorado Department of Education to help with capacity-building:

 Create a team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, including representation from all stakeholders

• Organize procedures for data-based problem-solving and decision-making by decoding the problem-solving process, creating a data collection system, and implementing progress monitoring
• Create a system for collaboration among stakeholders (family, school, community)
• Provide a layered continuum of support, including targeted professional development
• Determine evidence-based practices for all three tiers

 Challenges in implementation

 MTSS is known for its efficacy, and research supports the positive effects of student achievement, reduced disciplinary referrals, and improved school climate. It’s a popular system used in thousands of districts throughout the United States, and most states provide implementation assistance and guidance.

 There are some challenges, however. Its structure and practice are complex and require the total commitment of all stakeholders. Here are some guiding principles for implementation.

 Building faculty, staff, and parental buy-in is crucial

 When building collaborative teams, include teachers, administrators, specialists, and parents in the planning and decision-making. When stakeholders understand the processes, this creates a shared sense of ownership.

 Resources needed 

 During the planning meetings, assess resources. Is there adequate time and staff to perform personalized instruction, especially for tiers 2 and 3?

 Training for staff

 Provide targeted professional development for educators in evidence-based instruction for each tier. Training may be needed to collect student achievement data, which is required to create and analyze sound plans.

 Automate data systems

Set up an automated data system to screen and track the effectiveness of interventions across tiers. This will save considerable time and allow for quick measurement, analysis and response to data on academics, attendance, behavior, and life skills. It will also increase the likelihood of the project’s overall success.

 Xello supports the development and implementation of MTSS

 While implementing MTSS requires careful planning and coordination, technology platforms like Xello can significantly streamline the process and enhance its effectiveness. Xello’s comprehensive suite of tools aligns seamlessly with the MTSS framework, simplifying data collection, monitoring, and intervention management.

Tier 1 

At the Tier 1 level, all students benefit from the core instruction through engaging, interactive lessons that develop crucial soft skills and future-ready competencies. These lessons serve as a foundation for college and career readiness. All students get to explore their interests and abilities through research-based assessments, like Matchmaker and Skills Lab, and work-based learning opportunities.

 Tier 2

For students requiring Tier 2 targeted interventions, Xello’s robust reporting capabilities enable educators to quickly identify students who are off track for graduation and may need additional support. The platform’s powerful grouping and filtering options allow teachers and counselors to track various indicators, including lesson progress and graduation requirements, making it simple to spot students falling behind.

 Tier 3

When students require the intensive support of Tier 3 interventions, Xello facilitates the detailed documentation and collaboration necessary for individualized assistance. Advisement notes allow educators to maintain comprehensive records of interventions, share important information with other staff members, and track student progress over time. Student profiles provide a holistic view of each learner’s journey, including their portfolios, lesson responses, and course planning.

 Preparing all students to successfully navigate the landscape of work, family, and community should be a priority of all educators. A well-planned and executed MTSS framework identifies struggling students early, delivers targeted interventions based on data, and supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The result is self-confident, capable future-ready adults.

 Xello enhances MTSS implementation by offering comprehensive tools for all tiers, from core instruction and skill development to monitoring interventions at all levels. Xello also helps support educators and administrators in building, managing, and reporting on MTSS programs. 

Contact one of our Education Specialists to book a personalized demo and see how Xello can help you implement MTSS in your district.