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Identifying and Addressing Student Needs Through MTSS

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Created on April 16, 2026

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ED502 U3 A1 By: Staci Williams

Identifying and Addressing Student Needs Through MTSS

Universal Screening & Initial Identification

Tier 1 Supports

Tier 1 Instruction

YES

NO

Is the student making progress?

Monitor & Adjust Interventions

Tier 2 Interventions

Special Education Referral

YES

NO

Is the student making progress?

Continue Tier 3 Interventions

Tier 3 Interventions

Language-Based Support

YES

NO

Is the student making progress?

ED502 U3 A1 By: Staci Williams

Identifying and Addressing Student Needs Through MTSS

Universal Screening & Initial Identification

Tier 1 Instruction

Tier 2 Interventions

Is the student making progress?

YES

NO

Is the student making progress?

Tier 1 Supports

YES

NO

Tier 3 Interventions

Monitor & Adjust Interventions

Is the student making progress?

YES

NO

Continue Tier 3 Interventions

Special Education Referral

Special Education Referral

Tier 1 instruction is implemented along with a review of students' academic, behavioral, and background data including:

  • i-Ready and assessment data analysis
  • Teacher observations
  • Student work samples
  • Behavior patterns (frequency, triggers, setting)
  • Family communication about their observations at home and goals/concerns

If Tier 1 instruction is not successful, students will receive targeted supports based on identified academic and/or behavioral needs, such as:

  • Research-based interventions:
    • Phonics (e.g., Fundations)
    • Math (e.g., Number Worlds)
  • Behavior supports:
    • Structured routines
    • Reinforcement systems
    • Explicit behavior instruction
  • Language supports:
    • Sentence frames
    • Visual vocabulary supports
    • Modeling and repetition
    • Collaboration with ESOL/ELL teacher

If Tier 2 supports is not successful, Tier 3 interventions can provide more individualized and intensive instruction based, such as:

  • Increased frequency and duration of intervention sessions
  • Smaller group size or one-on-one instruction
  • Highly targeted, skill-specific instruction
  • Continued use of research-based programs
  • Individualized behavior supports
  • Intensified language supports and collaboration with ESOL/ELL specialists

Students are assessed using district-wide universal screeners to identify those who may be at risk academically or behaviorally. These include:

  • Common Assessments
  • Star Early Literacy / Star Math
  • Acadience
  • i-Ready Diagnostic (Reading & Math)
  • Observation of maladaptive behaviors (e.g., aggression, refusal, withdrawal)
Students who are found to be performing below grade level or demonstrating concerning behaviors are flagged for further support.

Literacy Framework

If Tier 3 interventions are not successful, and the student’s difficulties are determined to be related to language, supports are adjusted, intensified, and referred to ESOL services, including:

  • Increased ESOL/ELL support services
  • Targeted language development interventions
  • Continued collaboration with ESOL/ELL specialists
  • Ongoing progress monitoring of language acquisition and academic skills

Progress is closely monitored across academic and behavioral areas to determine whether the student is responding to the increased level of support. If the student begins to show progress, interventions are continued and adjusted as needed.

When a student demonstrates progress, Tier 1 supports should remain in place with ongoing progress monitoring. Examples can include:

  • Small group instruction
  • Chunking of assignments
  • Multiple ways to access content (visual, auditory, hands-on)
  • Visual cues and vocabulary supports
  • Repetition and simplified directions
  • Positive reinforcement systems
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Clear routines and expectations

Intervention Supports

Tier 1

When a student demonstrates progress, Tier 2 supports should remain in place with ongoing progress monitoring. If progress is limited, interventions should be refined to better match the student’s needs. The intensity or frequency of the intervention could also be adusted, as needed. It is also important to address any underlying behavioral factors that may be impacting learning. I have a student who currently participates in a phonics intervention; however, their main challenges are now experienced in comprehension. In their upcoming annual review, I will be proposing a switch to an intervention more focused on developing those comprehension skills.

If Tier 3 interventions are not successful, a referral for special education evaluation may be required. Educators should:

  • Review and compile any and all data and progress monitoring
  • Collaborate with team members (general education teacher, special education teacher, specialists, support staff, admin)
  • Communicate with family and obtain parent consent
  • Submit referral for necessary assessments and evaluations
If eligible:
  • An IEP may be developed to provide specialized instruction, supports, supplementary aides, and accommodations
  • A 504 may be developed with accommodations and supports
If not eligible: The student continues to receive support through MTSS interventions.

Referral Process

If Tier 3 interventions are not successful, a referral for special education evaluation may be required. Educators should:

  • Review and compile any and all data and progress monitoring
  • Collaborate with team members (general education teacher, special education teacher, specialists, support staff, admin)
  • Communicate with family and obtain parent consent
  • Submit referral for assessments and evaluations
If eligible: An IEP may be developed to provide specialized instruction, supports, supplementary aides, and accommodations. If not eligible: The student continues to receive support through MTSS interventions.

When a student demonstrates progress, Tier 2 supports should remain in place with ongoing progress monitoring. If progress is limited, interventions should be refined to better match the student’s needs. The intensity or frequency of the intervention could also be adusted, as needed. It is also important to address any underlying behavioral factors that may be impacting learning. I have a student who currently participates in a phonics intervention; however, their main challenges are now experienced in comprehension. In their upcoming annual review, I will be proposing a switch to an intervention more focused on developing those comprehension skills.

Progress is closely monitored across academic and behavioral areas to determine whether the student is responding to the increased level of support. If the student begins to show progress, interventions are continued and adjusted as needed.

If Tier 1 instruction is not successful, students will receive targeted supports based on identified academic and/or behavioral needs, such as:

  • Research-based interventions:
    • Phonics (e.g., Fundations)
    • Math (e.g., Number Worlds)
  • Behavior supports:
    • Structured routines
    • Reinforcement systems
    • Explicit behavior instruction
  • Language supports:
    • Sentence frames
    • Visual vocabulary supports
    • Modeling and repetition
    • Collaboration with ESOL/ELL teacher

Tier 1 instruction is implemented along with a review of students' academic, behavioral, and background data including:

  • i-Ready and assessment data analysis
  • Teacher observations
  • Student work samples
  • Behavior patterns (frequency, triggers, setting)
  • Family communication about their observations at home and goals/concerns

If Tier 2 supports is not successful, Tier 3 interventions can provide more individualized and intensive instruction based, such as:

  • Increased frequency and duration of intervention sessions
  • Smaller group size or one-on-one instruction
  • Highly targeted, skill-specific instruction
  • Continued use of research-based programs
  • Individualized behavior supports
  • Intensified language supports and collaboration with ESOL/ELL specialists

If Tier 3 interventions are not successful, a referral for special education evaluation may be required. Educators should:

  • Review and compile any and all data and progress monitoring
  • Collaborate with team members (general education teacher, special education teacher, specialists, support staff, admin)
  • Communicate with family and obtain parent consent
  • Submit referral for assessments and evaluations
If eligible: An IEP may be developed to provide specialized instruction, supports, supplementary aides, and accommodations. If not eligible: The student continues to receive support through MTSS interventions.

When a student demonstrates progress, Tier 1 supports should remain in place with ongoing progress monitoring. Examples can include:

  • Small group instruction
  • Chunking of assignments
  • Multiple ways to access content (visual, auditory, hands-on)
  • Visual cues and vocabulary supports
  • Repetition and simplified directions
  • Positive reinforcement systems
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Clear routines and expectations

Students are assessed using district-wide universal screeners to identify those who may be at risk academically or behaviorally. These include:

  • Common Assessments
  • Star Early Literacy / Star Math
  • Acadience
  • i-Ready Diagnostic (Reading & Math)
  • Observation of maladaptive behaviors (e.g., aggression, refusal, withdrawal)
Students who are found to be performing below grade level or demonstrating concerning behaviors are flagged for further support.