The multi-level prevention system is the organization of supports for students that includes three tiers of intensity for instruction and intervention. Tier 1 is high-quality, schoolwide academic, social, emotional, and behavioral programming and supports designed to meet the needs of all students. Tier 2 is small group, standardized interventions that target academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs using validated programs to support students identified as at-risk. Tier 3 is intensive intervention that is intensified and individualized based on student need. It is provided to students not responding to Tier 2 interventions and who may have low achievement or ongoing, intensive needs.

Click on the tiers below to learn more and find relevant resources.

Core Programming at Tier 1

Core programming at Tier 1 includes academic, social, emotional, and behavioral curriculum, instruction, and supports aligned to grade-level standards and student needs. At Tier 1, educators use instructional strategies and practices shown to be effective for the student population and educational context. In effective Tier 1 systems, most students benefit from Tier 1 programming alone and teachers use differentiation to ensure all students can access and benefit from core programming. Consistency in the use of evidence-based practices and supports is essential for collective efficacy at Tier 1. Effective Tier 1 ensures positive school climate and conditions for learning.

Supplemental Interventions at Tier 2

At Tier 2, schools provide standardized interventions that target academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs using validated programs to support students identified as at-risk. Teams select or design interventions and supports that have demonstrated positive effects for desired outcomes and are aligned with student needs. Tier 2 interventions and supports are delivered with fidelity at an appropriate duration and frequency to ensure students have increased opportunities for practice and corrective feedback.

Intensive Intervention at Tier 3

At Tier 3, educators provide intervention to help students with severe and persistent learning and/or social-emotional-behavioral needs, including students with disabilities. It is provided to students not responding to Tier 2 interventions and who may have low achievement or ongoing, intensive needs. Designing Tier 3 supports is a data-driven process that is characterized by increased intensity and individualization of instruction and supports