Family Guide to Learning Supports
What is MTSS?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is our district-wide process for identifying all students’ needs early and providing the right level of additional support. Additional instruction supplements the instruction provided in the general curriculum and assists students in meeting the State learning standards. The district can place students in these supports as a part of their academic program.
A thoughtful, data-informed process
How do we determine extra support?
Our team reviews results from universal screenings, state assessments, and classroom formative assessments. Each measure has cutoffs that serve as criteria for determining whether a child may qualify for additional support.
Universal Screenings
These nationally based assessments provide insight into how well students are performing on grade level curriculum and targeted skills.
State Assessments
State-wide, computer-based assessments measuring students’ progress in ELA and mathematics standards in grades 3–5.
Classroom Formative Assessments
These assessments in each grade-level are district-wide common formative assessments that match traditional classroom assessments.
Reading Supports
Targeted instruction, delivered daily within the school day
Approximately 5 students per group
Extra Reading Support
Students who qualify receive 20 minutes of additional reading instruction every day.
20 Minutes Daily
Tier II reading support is provided for 20 minutes each day in a small, focused group.
40 Minutes Daily
Tier III provides 40 minutes of intensive daily reading instruction in a small group.
High-quality reading instruction
All reading support programs are research and evidence-based, multi-sensory programs. Instruction is delivered by a certified teacher who has been trained in the specific program.
Math Supports
Closing knowledge gaps
For students in grades 2–5, math support is delivered for 120 minutes over a six-day cycle. Instruction strengthens the foundational knowledge and skills each student needs next, with math lab or classroom support available as appropriate.
Social-Emotional Supports
Supporting the whole child
Counseling may be provided individually or in groups by support staff, with peer tutoring available when appropriate. AIS occurs primarily during the regular school day, and students exit when they demonstrate at or above grade-level performance in class and/or on the appropriate local assessment.