MTSS at North Mason School District
Time for an update!
How do we define Multi-Tiered Systems of Support?
"MTSS is a process, not a program"
MTSS is a process for efficiently integrating instruction and supports that address students' academic achievement, behavior, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Three key components of MTSS:
Shared Leadership - Team StructuresThe team structures are important for building MTSS. Each team learns how to operate efficiently in order to use data for evaluating the system. Another key function of the team structure is for clear communication with staff and families. At North Mason, teams have been formed and are using rubrics to identify what areas to focus on first. District Team
School MTSS Teams
Advanced Tier 2-3 Teams
**More about each team's purpose and progress will be shared soon! | Data-Informed Problem Solving and Decision MakingEach team uses the Problem Solving Model to efficiently make decisions about how the system is working and how students are responding. Teams make adjustments to the 3-tiered plan as needed. | Layered Continuum of SupportsEach school team creates a plan to provide 3 tiers (layers) of support for the Whole Child (academics, behavior, and SEL). Tier 1 outlines how schools will provide instruction and support to ALL students in academics, behavior, and SEL. Tier 2 supports are provided in addition to Tier 1 and selected for groups of students that have similar skill needs. Tier 3 is layered in addition to Tier 1 and 2. Groups sizes are smaller and the skill focus is intensified. Remember: Tier 2 and 3 are not places that students go... they are additional instruction that is provided in addition to Tier 1. **More about Layered Supports in an upcoming newsletter! |
Shared Leadership - Team Structures
The team structures are important for building MTSS. Each team learns how to operate efficiently in order to use data for evaluating the system. Another key function of the team structure is for clear communication with staff and families. At North Mason, teams have been formed and are using rubrics to identify what areas to focus on first.
District Team
- meets monthly
School MTSS Teams
- meets monthly and 2 hours in Oct/Feb/May
Advanced Tier 2-3 Teams
- still forming in each school
**More about each team's purpose and progress will be shared soon!
Data-Informed Problem Solving and Decision Making
Each team uses the Problem Solving Model to efficiently make decisions about how the system is working and how students are responding. Teams make adjustments to the 3-tiered plan as needed.
Layered Continuum of Supports
Each school team creates a plan to provide 3 tiers (layers) of support for the Whole Child (academics, behavior, and SEL).
Tier 1 outlines how schools will provide instruction and support to ALL students in academics, behavior, and SEL.
Tier 2 supports are provided in addition to Tier 1 and selected for groups of students that have similar skill needs.
Tier 3 is layered in addition to Tier 1 and 2. Groups sizes are smaller and the skill focus is intensified.
Remember: Tier 2 and 3 are not places that students go... they are additional instruction that is provided in addition to Tier 1.
**More about Layered Supports in an upcoming newsletter!
What structures are we building first?
The focus this year is to put structures in place that will ensure sustainability
- Shared Leadership Teams (District, School, and Advanced Tier 2-3 Team)
- Selection of a problem solving model for decision making and training each team in how to use it efficiently
- Administration of a screener for Behavior/Social-Emotional Learning (SAEBRS)
- School teams are documenting Tier 1 practices (called an MTSS Blueprint) for behavior and social-emotional learning and will be gathering staff input and commitment for implementation in 2019-2020
- Advanced Tier 2-3 Teams are creating an "Intervention Grid", which is a list of interventions that are available to students and will identify assessment tools for entry and exit criteria, as well as progress monitoring systems
What will MTSS look like when fully implemented?
The key is that each School MTSS Team (with input and commitment from school staff) will determine the Tier 1 practices of teaching academics, behavior and SEL. It is a Whole School effort to set up a school environment that is predictable and consistent.
The graphic below shows the ongoing cycle of identifying how our students are responding to the layered supports:

How can YOU support the efforts of building our system?
- Communicate with your school's MTSS team - ask questions and share your ideas!
- Have an open mind.
- Offer ideas! Are you finding success with a teaching strategy for behavior or an SEL practice that students are responding to?
- Email me at bbourque@northmasonschools.org
- Send a picture, or invite me to stop by and see the work you are doing. I'd love to visit and hear your input
Looking for more information?
Effective Tier 1 Classroom Practices for Behavior/SEL:
What does MTSS look like in other schools? (be mindful the teams and structures may have different names or acronyms in other schools):
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/improving-learning-all-students-multi-tiered-approach
National Center on Intensive Intervention:
https://intensiveintervention.org/
Secondary: Integrating SEL and Literacy (video)
https://www.edutopia.org/video/integrating-sel-and-literacy
Elementary: Academic Success for All - A Multi-Tiered Approach (video)
District MTSS Team Members
Telia Ford - NMEA Elementary Rep
TBD - NMEA Secondary Rep
Sandy Balant - PSE Elementary Rep
Karen Thomas - PSE Secondary Rep
Rebecca Roberts - Counselor Rep
Dan King - Belfair Elementary Admin
Amber Nygard - Sand Hill Elementary Admin
Luke Grunberg - Hawkins Admin
Steve Hackett - NMHS Dean of Students
Jack Smither - NMHS Admin
Anne Crosby - JTHS Admin
Lisa Roberts - Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Thom Worlund - Director of Special Services
Beth Bourque - MTSS Administrator
Dana Rosenbach - Superintendent