Desoto independent school district

DeSoto ISD is committed to providing high-quality instruction and support to ensure students, without exception, achieve at the highest levels. The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a framework of leveled support that schools use to maximize the achievement of each student. This guide provides an overview of MTSS for parents and answers frequent questions parents might have regarding MTSS.

What is MTSS?

MTSS is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and supports students’ social-emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.  An MTSS framework should include universal screening, tiered interventions and support, evidence-based practices, progress monitoring, and database decision-making.

How does MTSS support my scholar? 

Schools screen all students to identify those who need additional support. For students needing additional support, a school-based team uses a problem-solving process to develop and implement evidence-based interventions and monitor students’ responses. Team membership varies depending on the student's needs but should include individuals with knowledge of the student, grade level expectations, the problem-solving process, evidence-based academic and behavior interventions, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessments. A school team typically includes an administrator, school counselor, teacher, intervention specialist, and parent. 

What are two supports?

MTSS organizes intervention in two tiers, which provide levels of support: 

• Tier 1 includes high-quality classroom instruction and support for students
• Tier 2 provides targeted support to address a student’s gaps in skills
• Tier 3 involves intensive support, usually provided more often in a smaller group

What can I expect with MTSS? 

• Information on your child’s progress in meeting grade-level standards and expectations 
• Early identification of academic and behavioral concerns 
• Instruction and intervention support that is matched to a child’s academic or behavioral needs 
• Involvement in database problem-solving for your child’s
• Feedback on how your child is responding to targeted individual interventions