Multi-Tierd System of Supports (MTSS)
MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports, is a framework designed to ensure every student gets the support or enrichment they need to thrive. It helps us fulfill our Highline Promise: to know every student by name, strength, and need.
Why use MTSS?
MTSS creates a culture of belonging by adjusting support and enrichment to match students’ unique needs in a way that honors their culture and language. Teachers and staff are always learning, and modifying practices based on how students respond to the support provided. MTSS integrates academic and non-academic support to meet the needs of the whole student.
MTSS addresses all types of student needs: academic, attendance, college & career readiness, language learning, social-emotional and behavioral. Any student may need additional support or enrichment in one or more of these areas, and students can access support as soon as they need it.
Three Tiers of Support
MTSS provides support through three levels or “tiers.” Tiers do not describe or define students but instead focus on the intensity of support and enrichment.
Tier 1: Universal support for all students
Tier 1 is universal instruction based on grade-level standards delivered to all students. It includes whole-class teaching, small groups, or one-on-one help based on individual needs.
Tier 2: Targeted support
Tier 2 is targeted interventions and enrichment layered onto Tier 1 support to address specific skill needs, to accelerate learning, and to remove barriers. Tier 2 is provided to groups of students based on data identifying their needs and strengths. It should serve up to 15% of students.
Tier 3: Intensive support
Tier 3 is intensive interventions and enrichment layered onto Tier 1 and 2 support. Support is individualized to meet the needs of any student who requires support beyond Tier 1 and Tier 2. Students receiving Tier 3 support may or may not qualify for special education services.
MTSS is a Team Effort
School teams analyze student work and use data to make decisions about evidence-based practices to support students in every tier in partnership alongside other key partners:
Families: Families know their students best. We work closely with families to understand their students’ experiences, strengths and needs so we can design the right interventions for them.
Students: When students have input into what and how they learn, we can design instruction that fits their individual strengths and needs. This is especially important for students who have historically been underserved in schools, including Black, Indigenous and other students of color, multilingual students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students.
Community partners: Community partners can join decision-making teams and align school and community support for students when appropriate. They can help schools create fair and inclusive learning environments for all students.
MTSS is Evidence-based and Equity-based
MTSS is equity in action because it provides individualized support to ensure that every student achieves success in school.
This is how we deliver on our Highline Promise to know every student by name, strength and need so they graduate prepared for the future they choose.
If you would like to discuss your student's progress and available learning supports or enrichment, please contact your student’s teacher.