A Close Look at the MTSS Umbrella Graphic 

When I went into education, no one warned me that I would have to find a way to make sense of all the acronyms and strategies that are introduced year after year. Not to mention the many similar systems with overlapping priorities and practices coming at you. 

A multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) simplifies these practices by combining frameworks under one umbrella. Still, it is itself a complex and comprehensive framework. So let’s break down the MTSS umbrella graphic, discussing the need for the visual and how it illustrates the implementation of MTSS for whole-child education. 

A holistic approach to intervention: What is MTSS?

Multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), first introduced as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, is a data-driven framework used to identify at-risk students and provide them with preventative evidenced-based instruction. A focus of MTSS is early intervention and prevention, differentiating instruction to meet each student’s unique needs and current performance level. 

The MTSS approach, with its emphasis on early intervention and tailored instruction, is a proactive strategy that seeks to support students based on their individual needs and strengths. By focusing on prevention and differentiation, MTSS aims to provide equitable access to the curriculum for all students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the broader educational goal of ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

If response to intervention (RTI) comes to mind when you read the phrase “tiered system of supports,” that’s no accident. MTSS encompasses supports from both RTI and positive behavioral intervention and supports (PBIS) to provide a framework for supporting the whole child, not just academically but on a behavioral and social-emotional level as well. Check out these blogs for an in-depth look at the differences between MTSS and RTI and MTSS and PBIS.

Breaking down the MTSS umbrella graphic

The MTSS pyramid, a visualization of the portion of students who may require increasing levels of intensity in intervention, is widely used in schools. HMH for its part developed a new tool that we find is more precise in identifying student needs relative to expected grade-level proficiency. This distribution model essentially turns the pyramid sideways. 

The MTSS umbrella visual builds on the idea of the pyramid by showing how support for social and emotional learning, mental health, behavioral expectations, and academics is needed to educate the whole child. At the base of the umbrella image are the essential elements for successful MTSS implementation: comprehensive assessment, data-based decision making, evidence-based curriculum and intervention, ongoing support, and family and community engagement. These elements work together to provide cover, or protection, for students to prevent them from falling behind. 

Here we delve deeper into the essential elements highlighted under the umbrella for successful MTSS implementation:

Comprehensive assessment

We have known for a long time that comprehensive assessment—through universal screening, progress monitoring, as well as diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments—can identify students at risk for academic failure and ensure that they are receiving needed supports. So it makes sense that this would be the first practice covered by the umbrella as comprehensive assessment is as essential for prevention as it is for differentiation. 

Remember, this is not just academic assessment. To be truly comprehensive and take the whole child into account, we need to ensure that students are also progressing with their behavioral goals and provide timely interventions as needed.

Data-based decision making

As comprehensive assessment is taking place, we are gathering student data that can be analyzed to make decisions at the individual, classroom, school, district, state, and even national levels. We can organize the data into tiers or a distribution pattern at most of these levels for a broad overview of student needs to make resource-based decisions. By identifying patterns, multi-disciplinary teams can decide how to group students for the appropriate level of intervention intensity and which skills to target with specific groups of students.

Evidence-based curriculum and intervention

The importance of choosing evidence-based curriculum and intervention cannot be overstated. There is no time for trial-and-error approaches that may not yield results. Using strategies that are proven to work ensures schools can make the best use of their time, effort, and resources, giving students the best chance at success in school and life. 

Ongoing support

MTSS implementation is continuous. Throughout their education, students are receiving academic and behavioral instruction and supports that are informed by multiple data points, including formal assessments. The practices that are put in place to respond to student needs are part of the MTSS framework that supports student growth and progress. Students may be moving in and out of different tiers of support, depending on their academic and behavioral needs. Essentially, once students receive their first screening assessment when they enter school, they begin to be supported by MTSS through graduation. 

Family and community engagement

Family and community engagement is essential to supporting the whole child. Schools must partner with families and community members in decision making that affects a child's education. This partnership empowers families to advocate for their child and ensure any interventions are culturally relevant, which can increase effectiveness. Regular communication builds trust and ensures that families are informed about their child's progress and can gauge whether their needs are being met. 

Protecting students under the umbrella

You can probably see what makes the umbrella an apt metaphor for MTSS as it provides coverage across all areas of student life. Teachers, administrators, counselors, school support staff, parents and caregivers, as well as community members, are all working together under the MTSS umbrella to ensure that every student has the support they need for success in school and beyond. 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.

***

Unlock whole-brain reading through Read 180, the leading literacy intervention program for Grades 4–12.

Explore Math 180, our revolutionary approach to math intervention for students in Grades 5–12.

Explore intervention solutions with our webinar, "Supporting Our Most Challenged Learners: How Districts Are Scaling and Sustaining MTSS Practices for Success."