Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Features of MTSS

Academic RTI

• Specific academic assessments and interventions
• Use of published curricula selected by school or district
• Use of direct assessment of skills
• Periodic assessment through benchmarking periods
• Focus on grade-level teaming
• Described in IDEA as SPED eligibility determination approach

PBIS

• Specific social behavior assessments and interventions
• Use of free materials that are adapted to fit the school’s context
• Use of indirect assessment of behavior
• Continuous assessment of social behavior with existing data sources
• Focus on school-wide teaming
• Described in IDEA as school-wide prevention and individual intervention approach

Overlap:

• Scientifically-based interventions
• Instruction as prevention
• Tiered continuum of supports with increasing intensity based on need
• Regular screening for early intervention
• Use of a problem-solving model and data-based decision rules
• Focus on teaming
• Emphasis on improving quality of implementation
• Embedded into school improvement plan

MTSS is a coherent continuum of evidence based, system-wide practices to support a rapid response to academic and behavioral needs, with frequent data-based monitoring for instructional decision-making to empower each student to achieve high standards.