Multi-Tier System of Support for Behavior

What is MTSS-B?

MTSS stands for Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) and is a phrase that is common in education, but many times parents lack understanding of what it is and how it works. MTSS is used by many schools to provide targeted interventions and support to students who may be struggling academically, behaviorally, socially or emotionally. MTSS-B stands for Multi-Tier System of Support for Behavior and is a framework for teaching and supporting positive behaviors in all students.

Three Tiers of MTSS-B

Tier 1: Universal Supports

This level focuses on preventative and proactive practices for all students. Students are taught behavior expectations and appropriate social behavior. Tier 1 strategies include instructional practices that teach social, emotional, behavioral and executive functioning skills to support academic success. Teachers provide a high rate of positive feedback to students, a reward system for positive behaviors and good 2-way communication between home and school. In the classroom it may look like social-emotional learning activities, morning meetings, a calming corner, and social-emotional lessons.

Tier 2: Individual or Group Supports

At this level, students identified as needing additional support will be provided more focused interventions to meet their needs. School teams work to identify the motivation or function for behaviors interfering with academic or social emotional success in the classroom. SBLSD has an array of evidence-based interventions and supports to address behavior and increase behavioral, and social-emotional skills. Interventions may include check-in check-out, class pass, behavior charts/contracts, student self-monitoring, small group social skills instruction and school to home communication.

Tier 3: Intensive Individualized Supports

This level addresses the needs of individual students that need more targeted and intense interventions to support their needs, leading to success in the classroom environment. These sessions may last longer and are very focused. The building team assesses the student's strengths, skill deficit, and motivation for the behavior to develop a comprehensive plan that often includes the family, community and other relevant school-based adults. Interventions may include individual behavior plans, individualized behavioral, social or emotional skill instruction, and behavioral health services in the community.

A Parent Guide to MTSS-B

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