What Is MTSS?
A proactive, responsive, comprehensive framework to develop academic achievement, resilience, and well-being for every student — using excellent instruction and increasingly intensive support.
The Three Tiers
TIER 1
Core
ALL students · Every day
- Standards-based, DoDEA-adopted resources
- Differentiated for all learners
- Monitored for fidelity
- This is YOUR primary responsibility
TIER 2
Strategic
5–15% · Plus T1
- Targeted small-group interventions
- Evidence-based; aligned to T1 content
- Specific frequency & duration
- Progress-monitored regularly
TIER 3
Intensive
<5% · Plus T1 & T2
- Highly individualized interventions
- For students not responding to T2
- More frequent, smaller groups
- Student still receives full T1
Key Rule: T2/T3 supplements — never replaces — Tier 1. Students with IEPs & 504s also receive full T1.
Your Role as a Teacher
C1 — Core InstructionDeliver excellent, standards-aligned T1 using DoDEA resources
C2 — DifferentiatePlan for learner variability; adjust based on formative data
C3 — CollaborateParticipate actively in Focused Collaboration Teams
C4 — Protect T1 AccessAll students — including T2/T3 — receive your full T1
When to Refer to the SST
- Student not progressing despite T1 differentiation
- Significantly below grade-level benchmarks
- Persistent attendance, behavior, or well-being concerns
- Academic struggles + military-connected stressors (PCS, deployment)
- Exceeds proficiency and needs extensions beyond T1
- You have documented T1 efforts and data to share
Tip: Don't wait until a student is far behind. Refer early — bring what you have.
What Is the SST?
The Student Support Team manages Tiers 2 & 3. It partners with you to identify students who need more support, build Education Plans, and monitor their progress using data.
- A partner, not a gatekeeper
- Data-driven and student-centered
- A place to come early with concerns
- Collaborative across the whole school
- A replacement for Special Ed (CSC)
- The only referral path available
- A last resort — refer proactively!
- Something you do without the teacher
How to Make a Referral
1
Complete the SST Referral WorksheetInclude student strengths, concerns, existing data
2
Document your T1 strategies & outcomesWhat did you try? What happened?
3
Submit to SST Chair (≥1 week before meeting)Your Case Liaison will follow up if needed
4
Attend the SST meetingShare your classroom perspective on the student
5
Implement & collect progress dataYou play an active role in the Education Plan
The SST's 3-Step Process
STEP 1: Identify
Accept referrals, screen data, Root Cause Analysis, apply decision rules
STEP 2: Plan
Select evidence-based interventions, write Education Plan, set progress monitoring goals
STEP 3: Monitor
Implement, review data regularly, make tier decisions, check fidelity
After Progress Monitoring: Decision Rules
✅ ContinueStudent responding & progressing → maintain current support
⚡ IntensifySlow response → increase dosage, frequency, or dimensions
🔺 Tier UpNot responding to T2 → move to Tier 3 intensive support
🎓 ExitProficiency criteria met → fade intervention, monitor in T1
SST & Other Programs — Know the Difference
- AAPS: AAPS Resource Teachers may consult with SST; SST may refer to AAPS
- MLP: MLP Teacher is a consultative SST member; addresses PCS/transition needs
- 504 Plans: 504 Coordinator consults with SST; SST supports but doesn't replace 504
- Special Ed / CSC: SST is NOT a prerequisite — direct CSC referral is always available
- Crisis Team: SST for ongoing support; Crisis Team for acute safety situations