Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

What is MTSS?

Some students struggle with academics. Others struggle with behavioral challenges. Still others struggle with both. So how do we respond to students with challenges or struggles that interfere with their ability to learn? 

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that helps educators provide academic and behavioral strategies for students with various needs. DPS schools use this framework of interventions and supports to address behavioral and academic challenges, and identify struggling students early so that they can get assistance quickly. 

The purpose of MTSS is to create and maintain an effective learning environment, and establish academic and behavioral support aligned to students' individual needs. This multi-tiered system also supports social and emotional learning to ensure all students at DPS achieve social, emotional, and academic success.  

MTSS Principles

The tiered systems of intervention consist of seven core principles:

1. Use all available resources to teach all students.
2. Conduct universal screening/benchmarking. 
3. Use scientific, research-based instruction and interventions. 
4. Monitor classroom performance. 
5. Use a multi-tiered model of service delivery. 
6. Make data-based decisions.
   • Is there a problem and what is it?
   • Why is it happening?
   • What are we going to do about it?
   • Did our interventions work?
7. Monitor progress frequently. 

To learn more about how Decatur Public School utilizes MTSS, click here to read the DPS MTSS Guiding Document.

Click here to view the DPS Illinois State Board of Education Discipline Improvement Plan and Progress Report for the 2022-23 school year.