Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Mandated by the state of New Jersey, it is a proactive framework designed to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed whether that be academic, social/emotional, or behavioral. The model promotes the early identification of challenges, equitable access, differentiation, and the use of evidence-based interventions and supports on a continuum that intensifies based on student needs. It encompasses ALL levels of support in our schools, starting with the everyday best practices provided to all students in the classroom, all the way up to targeted and intensive interventions for those who may need additional help or enrichment. A strong partnership with parents and guardians is an essential part of this process.

MTSS Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

What is MTSS?

MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It is a proactive, data-driven general education framework designed to promote student achievement and success. Instead of waiting for a student to struggle, MTSS provides multi-tiered academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning (SEL) supports to help all students thrive from day one.

How will the school know if my child needs additional support?

We identify students through two main avenues: a Responsive Referral Pathway (based on immediate teacher or staff observations) and a Proactive Data Pathway. For the proactive approach, teachers use a secure online platform called LinkIt to organize benchmark assessment data. By looking at this data alongside daily observations, we can identify patterns and match students with the right level of support early in the school year.

Is my child's support plan based only on test scores?

Absolutely not. While quantitative data (like assessment scores and percentages) gives us a starting point, our MTSS framework is fundamentally a human-centered approach. We look "beyond the numbers" to make insight-inspired decisions using:

• Qualitative Insights: Teacher input and functional classroom performance.
• Contextual Insights: Information about a student’s background, personal experiences, and family dynamics.
• Behavioral Insights: Attendance, engagement, and interactions within the school community.

What are the different "Tiers" of support?

Support is broken down into three fluid levels, or tiers.

• Tier 1 includes high-quality, evidence-based core instruction provided to all students in the general classroom.
• Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group interventions for some students who need extra practice or different instructional strategies.
• Tier 3 offers highly intensive, individualized interventions for a few students who require customized support. Students can move flexibly between these tiers based on how they respond to the interventions.

How does the MTSS process connect to special education referrals?

Under New Jersey special education code (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.3(b)), schools are required to provide interventions in the general education setting to students exhibiting academic difficulties prior to referring them for an evaluation of eligibility for special education and related services. The MTSS framework serves as our district's structured approach to providing these mandatory "pre-referral interventions."

Through our Network of Support meetings and data collection platforms, we carefully monitor and document a student's response (or lack thereof) to interventions across the different tiers. If an analysis of this documentation determines that the general education interventions have not adequately addressed the student's educational difficulties, and there is reason to believe the student may have a disability, the student will then be referred for an evaluation to determine special education eligibility, as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.3(c)1.

Contact

Lauren Samara