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Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RtI)
MTSS, on the other hand, is also a framework but it differs from RtI as it is more comprehensive.
Here are some ways that MTSS differ from RtI:
MTSS encompasses RtI and then some.MTSS addresses academic as well as the social, emotional, and behavioral development of children from early childhood to graduation. MTSS provides multiple levels of support for all learners (struggling through advanced).MTSS aligns resources and support for students receiving instruction AND for teachers and other support staff who are delivering the instruction.MTSS framework is an educational systems change paradigm continuously focused on overall school improvement that is sustainable.MTSS models strive to ensure that practices, policies, and programs are aligned on classroom, school, and district levels.MTSS benefits from continued support for teachers in delivering instruction, utilizing and developing effective curriculum, administering assessment, and using data to guide instruction.
MTSS requires a greater focus on collaboration between general education and special education within each school as well as between the school and the district office. MTSS also includes a focus on intervention but has a stronger goal of prevention than perhaps RtI does. MTSS is more likely to produce professional development that is aligned across school and district settings. MTSS requires that teachers, administrators, district personnel, and student support specialists change the way that they have traditionally worked together to include a more collaborative and cohesive culture.
This is a nice visual representation of MTSS from the state of Kansas:As you can see, the RtI triangle representing student learning stays central to the model. Additional support systems surround the triangle to show systemic alignment and support in providing opportunities for all students to succeed and excel.
Benefits of MTSS
MTSS provides specific types of support for teachers (professional development, technical assistance, instructional coaching)MTSS outlines clearly define roles, responsibilities, and accountability for teachers, building leaders, and district personnelMTSS provides a coherent system for continuous improvementMTSS ensures that a common understanding/language exists when discussing implementation and expected outcomesMTSS allows district policies to remove barriers to effective implementation Most importantly, ALL students should benefit when the model is implemented with fidelity!
Since over 40 states and school districts including Los Angeles, Boston, Kansas, and Utah have adopted an MTSS framework, I am sure we will continue to hear the terms RtI and MTSS used interchangeably. But now you can impress your friends, colleagues, and administrators with your knowledge of the difference between the two. No standardized test necessary (phew!).
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