Idaho Department of Education

From struggling students striving to meet minimum proficiency to gifted students seeking to reach their potential, MTSS invites a partnership among students, teachers, parents, and the community whereby all students achieving positive behavior, [student well-being], and academic outcomes is the priority. — Tom Hierck and Chris Weber

While Response to Intervention (RTI) and MTSS have many things in common, they differ in their overarching approach. RTI uses a tiered system to support students that struggle academically. MTSS takes a more comprehensive approach that uses a tiered system of support to address learning needs of students in the areas of academics, behavior, and student well-being. All components of an MTSS, including engaging families and community partners, are designed to improve student outcomes.

• Learn about the differences between MTSS and RTI

A well-developed and high-functioning MTSS process ensures ALL students are successful in the areas of academics, behavior, and student well-being, regardless of whether that student has an identified disability.

MTSS ensures that all students receive high-quality universal instruction (Tier 1) in the general education setting.

The MTSS framework includes procedures designed for students who may require extra support and time to master skills through targeted interventions (Tier 2). If students still need additional help and may be missing the foundational skills crucial for mastering key concepts or standards, they will require more intensive support. This intensive support is provided at the Tier 3 level.

Tier 3 is not limited to just students with an identified disability. All students need access to all three levels of support based on their individual needs.

This flexible approach ensures that each student receives the appropriate level of intervention to thrive in their educational environment.