Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in Iowa addresses the needs of every student to improve outcomes using data driven decisions and evidence-based practices in instruction. The MTSS framework identifies instructional needs and monitors the impact of instruction for all learners. This work starts with high-quality universal instruction and the screening of all learners with intervention provided, either remedial or accelerative, as warranted. Ongoing and regular progress monitoring helps determine instructional effectiveness and guides subsequent decision-making.

Educators use different data aggregates to evaluate the overall health of their educational system and identify students who need additional support, remedial or accelerative. Those supports are provided in both small group and individual settings and are monitored to ensure they support all learners in demonstrating proficiency in the Iowa Core standards and that learners leave school ready for life.

Many Iowa schools are successfully implementing components of MTSS. Together, we will move MTSS to consistent statewide implementation in every Iowa classroom. 

Key Components

The Iowa MTSS framework is made up of five components:

1. Leadership
2. Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making
3. Universal Tier
4. Supplemental and Intensive Tiers
5. Infrastructure

Leadership

• Is there initial and ongoing administrator and staff consensus to develop and implement practices within MTSS?
• Is there a leadership team established to support consensus, infrastructure, implementation and sustainability of practices within MTSS?

Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making

• Is there initial and ongoing administrator and staff consensus to develop and implement practices within MTSS?

Universal Tier

• Is the Universal Tier sufficient?
• If the Universal Tier is not sufficient, what are the needs that must be addressed?
• How will Universal Tier needs be addressed?
• How will the implementation of the Universal Tier actions be monitored over time?
• Have Universal Tier actions been effective?

Supplemental and Intensive Tiers

• Which students need support in addition to the Universal Tier?
• Which of the Targeted and/or Intensive Tier Supports are needed to meet the needs of identified students?
• How will Targeted and/or Intensive supports be implemented?
• How will the implementation of Targeted and Intensive Tier supports be monitored over time?
• Have targeted and intensive tier supports been effective?

Infrastructure

• Is there an effective structure in place to provide on-going professional learning and coaching to support all staff members?
• Is there an effective evaluation of implementation of practices within MTSS and impact on achievement in place?
• Is effective infrastructure in place to support sustainability of practices within MTSS over time?

Connections with Early Literacy Implementation (ELI) and Differentiated Accountability (DA)

The MTSS framework is utilized to support decision-making and continuous improvement in Iowa's schools. Because the framework supports evidence-based implementation of universal instruction, supplemental and intensive tiers of intervention, assessment and data-based decision making throughout the system, it can be utilized across the educational system.

We have utilized the MTSS framework in the implementation of other Iowa initiatives, including the implementation of Iowa Administrative Code 281-62, or the Early Literacy Implementation (ELI) Rule and Differentiated Accountability (DA) School Improvement model.

MTSS Implementation Tools

Panorama Student Success

Student Success by Panorama is Iowa's MTSS data platform and part of Iowa’s Early Warning System (EWS). It is designed to help schools, districts, AEAs and the Department of Education examine educational system health and individual student risk within an MTSS framework across all grades - preschool through 12th. Panorama Student Success gathers, organizes and reports academic screening assessments, grades, attendance and behavior data.

Healthy Indicator reports (K-6) assist with systems level decision‐making and identify areas of concern in MTSS and continuous school improvement. Early Warning System reports gather assessment, academic, attendance and behavior data to highlight students with early indications of risk. More information on these reports and others are available in the Iowa Panorama Resources knowledge base.

FastBridge

FastBridge is an assessment suite from Renaissance Learning. K-6 literacy assessments are provided by the Iowa Department of Education to Iowa schools to support implementation of ELI and MTSS. Additional grades and measures are available for a fee. A healthy MTSS system includes screening, progress monitoring, and intervention for Grades K-6, using FastBridge or other Iowa approved measures.

myIGDIs

myIGDIs (Individual Growth and Development Indicators) are preschool literacy screenings offered at no cost to districts and their community partners, with an emphasis on assessing children the year before kindergarten. As an important component of a healthy MTSS system, myIGDIs is designed to identify preschoolers who may be at risk in the area of early literacy, so that future difficulties may be prevented. 

• Visit the myIGDIs Hub in Panorama Academy for resources supporting myIGDIs setup and administration.
• GOLD and myIGDIs...Unique and Complementary - A brief overview of how these assessments work together to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.

Iowa Resources

Advanced Learner: Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Guide

Iowa ESSA Support Site

MTSS and Use of Special Education Funds

National Resources

MTSS is an evidence-based practice used throughout the country. Below are select resources from other organizations that local schools may find helpful:

Position Statement on Multi-tiered System of Support Framework in Early Childhood (Division of Early Childhood of the Council of Exceptional Children)

National Center on Intensive Instruction (NCII)

Intervention Central

Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)

Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC)

Michigan's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MiMTSS)