Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an educational framework designed to promote successful outcomes for ALL students. When districts and schools are organized as an MTSS, educators use a data based problem-solving process to inform multiple tiers of standards-aligned instruction and intervention designed to increase the academic, behavioral, emotional, and life skills of students.

Intervention
Systematic involvement, using evidence-based methods, with a student to improve performance in attendance, behavior, and/or course performance.

Progress Monitoring
A scientifically based practice used to assess students’ performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students, small groups, or an entire class.

Scientific, Evidence-Based Instruction
Instruction and interventions that are research based and have been proven to be effective for most students.

Universal Screening
A step taken by school personnel throughout the school year to determine which students are “at risk” for not meeting grade level standards or behavioral expectations. Universal screening can be accomplished by reviewing a student’s recent performance on state or district tests (STAR/FAST) or by administering an academic or behavioral screening (e.g., DIBELS, Panorama, iReady) to all students in each grade. Students whose scores on the screening fall below a certain cutoff point are identified as needing continued progress monitoring and possibly more intensive interventions.

Parents/guardians are an essential part of their students’ success in and out of the classroom. Parent/Guardians work with the school’s problem-solving team and are essential members who can contribute important information about their student’s specific strengths and areas of concern. 

If your student is participating in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention, ask school staff what academic or behavioral area is being addressed and how your child’s progress is being monitored. Most importantly, Parent/Guardians should ask what they can do to be a part of the solution.

Parents/guardians should ask when the school will update them on the results of the intervention. When possible, Parents/guardians should make suggestions about strategies and interventions based on what they know works at home. Finally, Parents/guardians should praise their children for any improvement in the area of concern and continue to communicate with school staff to ensure progress is maintained.

• Get to know your child’s teacher.
• Attend parent conferences/meetings about your child.
• Become familiar with the skills your child is expected to learn and appropriate rates of progress.
• Read with your child every day.
• Help with homework assignments or use the homework help line.
• Become a volunteer at the school.

• Florida Problem Solving/Response to Intervention Project
• Florida PBIS Project
• Attendance Works
• Evidence for ESSA
• What Works Clearinghouse
• CPALMS
• Resiliency Toolkit
• Florida's MTSS - FL DOE