Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a framework that ensures all students receive the support they need to thrive in school. It utilizes data to help K–12 schools address students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs proactively. Rather than waiting for students to struggle, MTSS provides layered supports that adjust based on student needs.
Support through MTSS is organized into three tiers. All students receive Tier 1 universal supports, some students receive additional Tier 2 small group interventions, and a smaller number of students receive individualized Tier 3 support. These tiers are flexible levels of support that can change as students grow and their needs shift.
MTSS integrates curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention into a unified schoolwide approach. Formative and summative assessments help educators understand how students are progressing and determine what type of support will be most effective. By aligning instruction and intervention across tiers, MTSS provides whole-child support while creating clarity and consistency in schoolwide practices.
Tier 1 includes the proactive and preventive instruction and experiences provided to all students, designed to build foundational skills and a positive learning environment. Tier 1 often consists of a core curriculum for whole-group instruction, activities that support skill and community building, and additional content that promotes a positive school culture. When Tier 1 is strong, most students can succeed without further intervention.
Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group support for students who need more than universal instruction, focusing on specific skill areas such as social skills, emotional intelligence, navigating uncertainty, or adaptive thinking. Tier 2 interventions are typically provided for a set time period and are closely monitored using formative assessments to understand how students are responding.
Tier 3 offers intensive, individualized intervention for students with the highest level of need. These supports are delivered one-on-one to address specific skill gaps or challenges. Tier 3 intervention includes frequent progress monitoring and adjustments to ensure students receive the level of support they need to grow and succeed.
MTSS implementation begins with strong Tier 1 instruction and a commitment to data-driven decision making. Summative assessments administered at the beginning and end of the year measure overall growth, while formative assessments are used throughout the year to monitor skill development and identify emerging needs. Ongoing use of assessment data enables educators to understand how students are progressing and whether additional support may be necessary.
When data indicates that a student would benefit from additional support, educators collaborate to determine the appropriate tier and intervention. Supports are delivered in structured cycles, with regular progress monitoring to assess how students respond. If a student makes progress, they may return to receiving only Tier 1 support. If needs persist, interventions can be adjusted or intensified. This responsive approach ensures support is aligned to student needs rather than fixed timelines.
Using an MTSS framework helps schools meet individual student needs while strengthening systems at the school and district levels. When implemented consistently, MTSS enables schools to utilize time and resources effectively, build a positive school culture, and support both academic growth and students’ personal development.
Early needs identification is often cited as one of MTSS’s most significant benefits. Educators using MTSS regularly collect and review data, enabling them to identify areas of need before challenges become barriers to learning. MTSS also promotes equitable supports by ensuring students receive attention based on data rather than assumptions: All students have access to strong Tier 1 instruction; assessment data then determines when additional supports are needed and informs what form they need to take. This structure enhances collaboration among teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff by providing a shared language and clear decision-making processes.
Schools are balancing limited time, staffing, and resources—a challenge to implementing any initiative, including MTSS. With MTSS in particular, obstacles might include inconsistent practices across classrooms, difficulty accessing or interpreting data, and unclear roles and responsibilities among staff.
Schools overcome these challenges by establishing shared systems and tools, aligning resources across tiers, and providing educators with clear guidance and professional learning opportunities. When assessment data, instructional resources, and intervention tools are connected, educators are better able to focus on supporting students rather than managing systems. Over time, clear structures and consistent processes help make MTSS simpler, more responsive, and more effective for both educators and students.
Learn more about MTSS and how Wayfinder can help you navigate your MTSS process.