MTSS

A major concern for parents, as well as teachers, is how to help children who are experiencing difficulty learning in school. Everyone wants to see the child succeed, and it can be very frustrating when a child falls behind in learning to read or do math, struggles to achieve in other subjects, or experiences problems with behavior in school. Children learn in different ways. Some children need more help or support than others. Examples of educational concerns may include:

Reading (fluency, comprehension, comprehension)

Math (applied math, calculation, facts)

Written language (spelling, organization, grammar)

Behavior (following rules, complying with teacher requests, attention, listening, following directions)

If a classroom teacher has a concern about a student’s progress in a certain area, he or she will employ interventions intended to improve the student’s performance. There are a variety of methods a teacher may choose to accomplish this result.

If the student continues to have difficulty, the teacher will meet with other school staff and with parents to discuss the child’s needs, consider other interventions, and outline a method to carefully monitor the student’s progress. The insight and expertise of the various school staff members and parents is brought together in what is called the Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) OR Response to Intervention (RTI) Team.

What is MTSS or RtI?

MTSS and RtI are processes by which we provide interventions and educational support to all students at increasing levels of intensity based on their needs. The goal is to prevent problems and intervene early so that students can be successful.

These processes are designed to help schools focus on interventions that are matched to student needs and monitored on a regular basis. The information gained from the MTSS/RtI process ae used by school personnel and parents to adapt instruction and to make decisions regarding the student’s educational program.

How are parents involved in RtI?

Parents play a critical role in supporting what their child is learning in school. The more parents are involved in student learning, the more likely students will be successful in school. Through the MTSS/RTI Team, you will be informed about interventions planned for your child. Parents will also see levels of support (academic and/or behavioral) that increase or or decrease in intensity depending on your child’s needs.Finally, you will receive regular progress monitoring reports about how your child responds to the interventions provided.