What is MTSS?
A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student success from a strengths-based perspective. Utah’s MTSS consists of 8 components:
- High Quality Instruction: Delivering evidence-based, standards-aligned core instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
- Data-Based Decision Making: Utilizing ongoing assessment data to evaluate student progress and system effectiveness.
- Team-Based Problem Solving: Employing collaborative school and district teams to design and monitor interventions.
- Equitable Education for Each Student: Ensuring all student populations have fair and meaningful access to needed supports and resources.
- College and Career Readiness: Aligning academic and behavioral goals to prepare students for future post-secondary success.
- Proactive School Climate and Structure: Fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive schoolwide environment.
- Parent and Community Involvement: Partnering actively with families and community stakeholders in the problem-solving and support process.
- Supportive Leadership: Securing active backing and guidance from school and district administrators to sustain implementation fidelity.
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework used in schools to proactively teach, encourage, and reinforce positive student behavior. For further information, go to the national PBIS Homepage. The four pillars of PBIS are:
- Establish expectations
- Explicitly teach expectations
- Reinforce expectations
- Correct behavioral errors (Educator’s Handbook/FOCUS)
What Do We Do?
MTSS specialists work to align support efforts district-wide, establishing consistent systems, streamline communication, and strengthen educational frameworks across schools and the district. They directly support schools with the Student Support Process (SSP) to ensure students receive targeted, timely interventions that meet their academic and behavioral needs. By building school-level capacity in MTSS, they empower administrators and educators with the strategies, data-driven practices, and resources necessary to implement effective instruction across all tiers.
Another component of their role includes promoting Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) sustainability, helping schools maintain long-term proactive behavioral systems that foster safe, inclusive, and successful learning environments.
Using the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (3.0), district MTSS Specialists conduct an annual evaluation for each school to measure fidelity criteria for implementing PBIS. Evaluation feedback supports schools as they make data based decisions when considering refinement or additions to their PBIS and MTSS systems.
Contact Us
- Emily Kordakis
- Shanna Bingham
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