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.

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. 

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. 

Even with the most well-designed and delivered Tier 2 interventions, some students will need more. In this webinar on Intensifying Interventions in MTSS, Dr. Jon Potter shares key considerations for intensifying and adapting interventions to meet the needs of all learners. Dr. Potter shares how to accelerate student progress by examining alterable variables within the instruction, curriculum, and environment. Resources to help guide the process will be shared, and time for questions will be provided.

Opportunities to respond is an effective strategy for instruction that is associated with positive academic and behavioral outcomes. Educators can use this assessment tool to gauge the rate and use of opportunities to respond during instruction.

When assessing a student's need for intervention, it can be helpful to determine where their skills are within the instructional hierarchy. This infographic illustrates the 4 main stages of the instructional hierarchy (acquisition, fluency, generalization, adaptation) and can be used as a quick reference.