Instructional Minute

Week of March 13th:

• MTSS Tier 1 Academics
• MTSS Defined
• What does "ALL students" mean?
• MTSS - A Shared Responsibility

As previously communicated within the Instructional Minute and other district communications, our continued focus will be on Tier 1 instruction. Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction outlines an intervention model that will impact building schedules, building staffing, District Assessment Systems, building level assessments, formative assessments and intervention curriculum. This work is important but requires time and collaboration with multiple stakeholders. While the plan for Tier 2 and Tier 3 is developed, the Instructional Minute will continue to focus on Tier 1 Academics.

MTSS is considered the "umbrella" of a tiered systems approach. MTSS encompasses the "whole child" (Cognitive, physical, behavioral, social and emotional) using data-driven problem solving to provide support for ALL students' needs.

The MTSS framework will provide our district and individual schools an efficient way to organize resources to support educators in the implementation of effective practices with fidelity so that all learners succeed. A “multi-tiered system of support” focuses on ALL students. An effective MTSS process addresses the needs of ALL students, including those who may be struggling with grade level content, students with identified disabilities, and integrates assessments and interventions within a multi-level instructional and behavioral framework to maximize student achievement and reduce problem behaviors.

Isn't Special Education Tier 3?

• Special Education is not a Tier within the delivery system, but an additional support offered for students when data supports that more “specialized instruction” is necessary for a student's success.

• Receiving special education or ELL services, having a 504 plan, or any additional support does NOT exclude students from interventions offered within the tiered delivery model. The arrow within the triangle graphic was intentionally placed to show a fluidity within the continuum of services.

Why is the triangle inverted?

• The choice of an inverted triangle was to give an engaging graphic to illustrate the importance of Tier 1. Whether Tier 1 on the bottom or the top, doesn’t change the focus of a strong Tier 1 program.

Tiered intervention is a general education initiative that includes special education as an equal partner. The processes and procedures within the intervention programming serve as prevention. Prior to 2004, special education law allowed students to qualify for services without adequate evidence of interventions. The IDEA updates in 2004 enabled and required districts to outline procedures that created a streamlined process in the type of instruction provided by special education as well as including special education and all other special programming (ELL, 504, etc.) to have access to tiered instructional interventions in addition to the specialized services. (Hall, Implementing Response to Intervention, pg. 34).

To access Go Math SBAC assessments, go to: The Go Math! Carousel, then choose “Getting Ready for SBAC.” If you don’t see this, click the right arrow.

M-STEP does not use Performance Based test formats: use the Practice Test, BOY, MOY and EOY assessments. Do the Practice Test with whole group modeling and gradual release as explained above. In addition, requiring students to show work on scrap paper, numbering as they proceed through the test would be great practice and provide formative assessment.

We would love to feature them in the Instructional Minute.

Email them to: michelle.lake@lansingschools.net

In addition to the photo, please be sure include your name, school and grade level.

Direct Instruction (mini-lesson) follows the gradual release model, in which the teacher first demonstrates the teaching point, models the new learning (I Do), then provides the students guided practice (We Do).

Amplify Science videos that will help out all teachers! Whether you are a novice or expert, there is something here for you! Click the link below.

• Click here to access the specific videos related to Teach Like a Champion.

This is from the Teach Like a Champion Field Guide

ELA - Math - Science - Social Studies - Career and Technology In Education - Physical Education Standards - Visual and Performing Arts - World Language Standards