Approximate time to complete: 45 minutes 

Download the Course Companion before starting this course. You can use the Companion Document to take notes on your learning, address reflection prompts, and as an easy way to retrieve course resources.  

Learning Objectives: 

After completing this course, participants will be able to: 
  • Explain the key components of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for middle and high school 
  • Evaluate and identify areas for improvement in their building or district's current approach to MTSS

Consider This Scenario

Connection Point

In your Course Companion Document, consider these questions:  

  • Can you relate to this scenario? In what ways are your challenges in literacy instruction similar or different? 

The district leadership team at Grant Exempted Village Schools recently examined the reading achievement data for middle and high school. They found that despite some recent focus on literacy, including professional learning for teachers and a renewed focus on family engagement, their students' scores have remained stagnant for several years.  The team knows that they need to ensure that all students have access to high-quality instructional materials and those who struggle to read are identified and their needs addressed. They also know that implementing changes randomly will not work. However, they are not sure how to make the systematic improvements they need to successfully support all students. 

What is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports?

"MTSS offers a framework for educators to engage in data-based decision making related to program improvement, high-quality instruction and intervention, social and emotional learning, and positive behavioral supports necessary to ensure positive outcomes for districts, schools, teachers and students."  - Center on MTSS 

MTSS can be conceptualized as a three tier system to meet the needs of all students: 
Tier 1: Core literacy instruction
Tier 2: Supplemental literacy intervention
Tier 3: Intensive literacy intervention 

Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Grades 6-12 with Dr. Joan Sedita

In this video, Dr. Joan Sedita provides an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for middle and high schools. There is a place in your course companion to take notes. 

Knowledge Check

Take the following short quiz to test your knowledge on the video. Click on the square button to make the quiz full screen. 

Resources

Read pages 4-5 of the Reading Tiered Fidelity Inventory: Secondary-Level Edition to learn more about the three tiers of support embedded in a Multi Tiered System of Supports (start at the section "Universal Tier 1").

In your Course Companion, answer the following question:

  • Consider the description of each of the three tiers of support in an MTSS. How would you describe each of the tiers and their importance to the students and educators you support? 

Course Reflection

In your Course Companion, answer the following questions: 

Consider Dr. Sedita's video and the excerpt from the Reading Tiered Fidelity Inventory: Secondary-Level Edition: 

  • What aspects of your current practice were affirmed by the video and reading?
  • What can you improve in your work to build a Multi-Tiered System of Supports at your building or district? 
  • What resources do you need to make the necessary improvements? Who needs to be involved to make the improvements successful? 

To Learn More

The following resources can help you learn more about MTSS: 

Last Modified: 1/9/2025 12:30:54 PM