By Zach Vander Veen

Understanding MTSS: A Practical Guide for Schools

MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It is a flexible, research-informed framework schools and districts use to improve student outcomes by providing targeted supports for learners who struggle. MTSS emphasizes early identification and timely intervention, addressing not only academics but also behavior, social-emotional needs, and attendance—factors that all contribute to long-term success.

How MTSS Works

MTSS organizes support into tiers that increase in intensity as student needs grow. While MTSS and Response to Intervention (RTI) are often used interchangeably, MTSS is broader: it may include RTI tiers while also incorporating behavioral supports and family engagement. In practice, MTSS targets two primary areas for struggling learners: academic skills and behavior.

Core Components of MTSS

An effective MTSS implementation centers on a few essential components. These elements help ensure a coherent, evidence-based approach across classrooms and grade levels:

1. Screening. Universal screening tools identify students who may need extra support in academics or behavior.
2. Student plans. Individualized plans document targeted supports and goals for students who require more than universal instruction.
3. Evidence-based strategies. Interventions should rely on proven instructional methods rather than intuition alone.
4. Professional development. Ongoing educator training is critical to implement MTSS with fidelity.
5. Family involvement. Families play an important role and should be included in planning and progress conversations.
6. Monitoring. Regular progress monitoring shows what is working and what needs adjustment.

Programs Commonly Associated with MTSS

Two widely used programs that operate within an MTSS framework are Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI). PBIS focuses on fostering positive, productive behavior schoolwide. RTI focuses on academic interventions delivered progressively across tiers. Both recognize the strong relationship between behavior and learning and are often integrated into a district’s MTSS strategy.

Designing an MTSS Playbook

A practical MTSS playbook is adaptable and straightforward. While many districts share common processes, every school has unique needs. Customize your playbook so it supports local practices, keeps procedures simple, and clearly defines the role of each stakeholder.

Project Plan

Every playbook should include a project plan that assigns responsibilities, timelines, and checkpoints. A clear project plan helps maintain fidelity to the playbook and prevents implementation drift.

Key Stakeholders

Stakeholders include students—at the center of the process—along with counselors or MTSS coordinators, classroom teachers who deliver interventions and gather data, and family members who participate in decision-making and ongoing support.

Milestones in an MTSS Process

Break your playbook into milestones to create manageable, trackable steps. Think of each milestone as a micro-project with its own goals and deliverables.

(M1) Initial MTSS Referral

An educator who observes a student struggling initiates a referral. Referral forms should include clear data that documents the concern and the evidence used to make the referral.

(M2) Decision-Making Group

A decision-making team reviews the referral to determine whether Tier 1 supports are sufficient or if the student needs higher-tier interventions. Families and students are frequently invited to participate, ensuring that ideas and decisions are documented through agendas and meeting notes.

(M3) Launch an MTSS Student Plan

If the team determines a plan is needed, a student-specific MTSS plan is launched. While MTSS itself is a framework rather than a single education plan, it organizes and coordinates the various plans and interventions used for the student.

(M4) Professional Development and Training

Teacher learning is a core part of MTSS success. A comprehensive professional learning solution should include:

1. Development of staff professional learning plans.
2. Tracking of educator growth tied to those plans.
3. Capacity to create and share professional learning courses and resources.

(M5) Family Involvement

Transparent family access to the MTSS process supports shared decision-making. Families should be able to view education plans, monitoring data (for example, assessment scores), and behavior trends over time so they can support progress at home.

(M6) Monitoring Over Time

Consistent progress monitoring and communication with all stakeholders is essential. Regular review allows teams to refine interventions and ensure students receive the right supports at the right time.

Aim for “Just Right”

A well-crafted playbook should hit the Goldilocks zone—balanced and practical, not overly complicated or too vague. Keep your protocols flexible to fit local needs, simplify processes where possible, and focus on outcomes: student growth, teacher clarity, and meaningful family engagement.

About the author

Zach Vander Veen has served as a history teacher, technology coach, administrator, and director of technology. He enjoys learning, teaching, travel, and family adventures. He is co-founder and Senior Vice President of Innovation and Outcomes at Abre.io, an education management platform.

This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media hub focused on the shift to digital curriculum in education.