The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) is a personalized student support system that supports the Upper Arlington Schools mission — to challenge and support every student, every step of the way. MTSS builds on and strengthens best practices in education for personalizing learning for every student. Educators deliver high quality instruction and interventions that meet students where they are so they can achieve at their highest possible levels in all facets of their school experience. 

Through the MTSS framework, teams of educators — including classroom teachers, intervention specialists and other specialized educators, and school counselors — ask themselves: How can we reflect on our teaching practice and adjust instruction to meet student needs? They evaluate students’ strengths and areas of opportunity, develop plans of action to help them reach their highest potential and then constantly monitor these plans, making adjustments as needed, to keep students moving forward.

Parents and guardians are important partners in their students’ education and in the MTSS process. Teachers work collaboratively with parents and guardians of students who need  support outside of the typical classroom experience.

MTSS work in the Upper Arlington Schools began at the elementary level in the 2021-2022 school year and is in the process of being rolled out in grades 6-12.

MTSS uses a four-tiered approach to identifying students’ academic, social and emotional needs. Here’s what that looks like:

Tier 1: Classroom instruction with responsive teaching

The classroom teacher or counselors structure their teaching to respond to students’ needs within the classroom environment.

Tier 2: Small group / individual instruction  

In addition to offering responsive teaching within the classroom (Tier 1), the classroom teacher or counselors target small group or individual instruction to fit the needs within the classroom.

Tier 3: Intensive instruction and intervention

In addition to offering responsive teaching within the classroom (Tier 1) and small group / individual instruction (Tier 2), the classroom teacher and specialized educators offer intensive instruction and intervention for a student in and/or out of the classroom.

Tier 4: Specially designed instruction

In addition to offering responsive teaching within the classroom (Tier 1) and small group / individual instruction (Tier 2), the classroom teacher and specialized educators offer specially designed instruction in and/or out of the classroom.