Screening students within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) requires valid and reliable screening measures or data sources, as well as risk verification processes. The activity assists educators with examining and evaluating their current screening and risk verification tools and processes. The activity can be completed by a single educator or with a small group of individuals responsible for screening within a grade-level or school.
Given that many tools exist for measuring tiered systems of support, it can be hard for schools, districts, and states to decide which tool to use. This decision guide provides reflection questions and breaks down a variety of tools to help leaders make informed decisions about assessing tiered systems.
Hypothesis generation is a key part of intensifying supports for students. Educators identify a hypothesis and then gather diagnostic data to confirm or disconfirm the selected hypothesis. Use the table below to identify a possible hypothesis when students aren’t making progress. Select a hypothesis and then collect data using our suggested diagnostic data tools.
When students demonstrate little to no growth, educators examine the extent to which the student’s core instruction and interventions are aligned to their specific needs. This tool is used to determine if a student's instructional plan aligns to their specific needs. By answering the questions within the tool, educators can better target a student's needs.
Use of specific praise is an effective strategy for reinforcing skills in students that are associated with positive academic and behavioral outcomes. Educators can use this assessment tool to determine the ratio of general praise and specific praise compared to redirects. A ratio of at least 4 praise statements to every 1 redirect is connected to a more positive learning environment for students.
Effective Tier 2 requires evidence-based interventions that target key skills for students. The Tier 2 Intervention Evaluation Tool is used by educators to examine their current Tier 2 interventions.
Use this assessment to evaluate the extent to which elements of explicit instruction are in place during instruction for a given student during interventions (Tiers 2 and 3) or for the class as a whole during core instruction (Tier 1). This assessment allows teachers to self-assess their instruction but can also be used by an outside observer to provide feedback on the teacher’s instruction.
Data-based decision making is needed to support all students from the systemic level to the individual level. This data protocol is used by grade-level teams to create an instructional plan to improve the overall impact of core instruction.
Core instruction requires key instructional characteristics, including the use of high-leverage practices (HLPs). Use this list of HLPs to assess the extent to which the HLPS are used in your instruction.
This tool helps educators assess the extent to which effective generalization practices are in place for students. It's helpful when a student is successful in one setting, but not other settings. Educators assess how well they are teaching students to transfer skills across settings.