What is MTSS?

MTSS (Multi Tiered Systems of Support) is a proactive and collaborative approach that helps our schools identify students' strengths and challenges early on, then provide tailored support to meet their individual needs. MTSS is designed to enhance academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for all students, aligning with state educational standards. It's a way for our district to organize how we provide instruction and interventions to help all students succeed.

We review a variety of data to identify if students need support, such as benchmark tests, quick screeners, classroom assessments, behavioral insights and school attendance. 

What does it look like in my child’s school? 

In your child's school, MTSS means our educators are proactively monitoring every student's learning and well-being. All students receive high-quality, evidence-based instruction in their regular classrooms. Some students may need more support than what is typically provided in the general classroom. To support academics, teachers can reinforce classroom lessons and work to strengthen student skills in additional small group time.Students may also be recommended for Title 1 reading support through the use of Acadience benchmarking scores, or tutoring at the high-school level. 

To support social-emotional and behavioral needs, a positive and inclusive school environment is established for students in our buildings and classrooms, often referred to as PBIS. This can be supported with school counselor services (in small groups or individually), mentoring groups, checking in with a dedicated staff member to reflect on the day and set goals, or even individualized plans to foster significant behavioral growth. 

If you have questions about MTSS in general you can start the discussion by contacting your child’s principal. You may also receive assessment or screening information over the course of the year that can be reviewed with your child’s classroom teachers. 

How can I help my child? 

Your partnership is important in helping your child succeed. Here are some ways you can help at home:

• Support skills at home
  
  

• Read together every day. Even a few minutes makes a big difference! Ask questions about the story or what they're learning.

• Count at home and find math problems in everyday life to talk about (money, cooking, budgeting, building). 

• Engage in conversations. Talk about their day, what they're thinking, and what they're curious about.

• Encourage problem-solving. Whether it's a puzzle, a game, or a real-life challenge, help them think through solutions.

• Prioritize Well-being and Positive Habits:
  
  

• Establish a good sleep schedule.

• Discuss the importance of attending school regularly and on time.

• Support positive social skills. Discuss kindness, sharing, and respectful communication.

• Help them manage emotions. Talk about feelings, practice calm-down strategies, and model resilience.

• Talk about the school's positive behavior expectations and how they contribute to a safe and productive learning environment for everyone.

• Communicate and Partner with the School:
  
  

• Stay in touch with your child's teacher. They are your primary point of contact for day-to-day progress. Feel free to reach out with questions or observations.

• Attend parent-teacher conferences. These are excellent opportunities to discuss your child's progress and goals.

• Ask about your child's learning. Ask "What are you learning in school?" rather than just "How was school?"

• Share helpful information. If there are changes at home or anything impacting your child's well-being, please let the school know. This helps us better understand and support them.