MTSS and Special Education: A Collaborative Approach to Student Success

In the landscape of modern education, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education stand as crucial frameworks for fostering student success. While distinct in their origins and specific functions, these two systems are increasingly recognized for their potential to work synergistically, creating a comprehensive and responsive educational environment for all learners, including those with disabilities.

Understanding MTSS: A Framework for All Students

The term MTSS is increasingly used nationwide to describe a framework that encompasses supports for the whole child, including academics, behavior, mental health and wellness. MTSS is an integrated framework for the systemic alignment of evidence-based prevention and intervention practices to support all the needs of all students. Taking a whole child approach, MTSS seeks to support the academic, behavior, mental health and wellness of all learners. When MTSS is implemented effectively, it can provide students with the supports needed to progress towards academic and non-academic goals. MTSS provides varying levels of support, or tiers, based on student need, which increase as a student moves from universal, to targeted, and intensive interventions. Federal law directs schools to focus on helping all children learn by addressing problems early. Supports in an MTSS framework flow from universal, to targeted, to intensive. The tiers are distinct but, as part of a system, share common components. A key component across all tiers is the use of evidence-based practices. These instructional techniques are supported by high-quality research demonstrating meaningful effects on student outcomes. All tiers also use reliable and valid assessments. Screening is used in the universal tier, diagnostic assessments (to intensify and customize interventions) are always used in the intensive tier (and sometimes in other tiers), and progress monitoring is used in all tiers. Data from these assessments are collected and analyzed by a problem-solving or student support team to evaluate student response and make informed data-based decisions. Interventions provided to a student are continually adjusted based on data until the child is progressing adequately.

Key Components of MTSS

Successful MTSS implementation relies on several essential components:

Universal Screening: All students are assessed early in the school year to identify those who may need additional support.
Tiered Interventions and Supports: Students receive different levels of instruction and support based on their individual needs.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Schools use evidence-based practices and student data to make informed decisions.
Continuous Progress Monitoring: Student progress is regularly evaluated to ensure interventions are working and adjusted as needed.
Collaborative Approach: Teachers, administrators, specialists, and families work together to support students.

The Three Tiers of MTSS

The MTSS model consists of three tiers of instruction and intervention:

Tier 1: Universal Supports (75-90% of students): This level includes core instruction that is delivered to all students. High-quality classroom teaching, school-wide expectations, and proactive classroom management are key features. Most students succeed with Tier 1 supports alone.

Read also: Comprehensive MTSS Overview
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions (10-25% of students): Students who need additional support receive targeted small group instruction in Tier 2. Interventions are focused, data-driven, and often include tools like Check-In/Check-Out (CICO). The goal is to help students catch up to their peers and reduce the need for more intensive intervention.
Tier 3: Intensive Individual Interventions (< 10% of students): For students who continue to struggle despite Tier 1 and Tier 2 support, Tier 3 provides intensive intervention. Supports are individualized and may involve specialists or external services such as behavioral counselors. Progress monitoring at this level is frequent and highly specific.

Benefits of MTSS

Implementing MTSS can lead to transformative outcomes across a school community. Key benefits include:

Proactive Identification: Early detection and timely intervention for academic and behavior challenges
Flexible Support: Students can move between tiers as needed based on their progress
Whole-Child Approach: MTSS addresses academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs together
Increased Equity: All students receive support, regardless of background or diagnosis
Improved School Outcomes: Research shows links to better academic achievement, reduced disciplinary incidents, and stronger student-teacher relationships

Special Education: Individualized Support for Students with Disabilities

Special education is designed for babies and toddlers who have been identified with a developmental delay or disability and qualify for an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Special Education (SPED) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) are not the same things. However, they both exist to support all students in achieving success in education and in life. An IEP, Individualized Education Plan, is a written plan that describes the individual learning needs of a student with disabilities. This includes the SPED services, supports, aids, accommodations, and modifications that will be provided to that student.

Key aspects of Special Education

Individualized Education Program (IEP): A legally binding document outlining specific goals, services, and accommodations for a student with a disability.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): IDEA mandates that students receiving special education services should be educated in the “least restrictive environment,” which means they should be in the same classroom as the other students as much as possible.
Focus on Individual Needs: Special education addresses the unique learning and developmental requirements of students with disabilities.

The Intertwined Relationship: MTSS Supporting Special Education

MTSS helps structure support for all students in a holistic framework, including students with disabilities. MTSS helps provide the right instruction for every student in a school, including students with disabilities.

Read also: Find Remote Special Education Jobs

MTSS as a Pre-Referral System

While MTSS is a framework that supports the prevention and early identification of students with difficulties, including students with or at-risk for a disability; MTSS may not be used to delay or deny an evaluation of a child suspected of having a disability and need for special education. Students suspected of having a disability and needing special education must be referred for a full and individual evaluation under the IDEA. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has clarified these expectations. Referral for evaluation and interventions may need to occur simultaneously.

Data-Driven Insights for IEP Development

Data collected through MTSS support IEP teams in developing and implementing the IEP [Sec. Intensifying specialized instruction for students who are not making adequate progress.

MTSS and Legal Compliance

Implementation of MTSS can also assist districts and schools in meeting other obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and applicable state laws.

Addressing Misconceptions

There are lots of misconceptions about MTSS and SPED. We’ve compiled answers to some of the top questions we receive when discussing special education and MTSS. Short answer? Long answer? MTSS and SPED work together to support all students, including students with disabilities.

MTSS is not a replacement for Special Education

While MTSS can help improve school culture, increase student performance, and decrease negative behaviors, it does not fulfill the legal requirement of services for students with disabilities required by law under the Department of Education (IDEA) and individual state mandates.

MTSS supports students with IEPs

Even if a child is receiving SPED services, the student continues to receive support through the problem-solving system of MTSS.

Tier 3 is not reserved for students with IEPs

An IEP does not immediately qualify a student for Tier 3, nor is Tier 3 reserved only for students with IEPs. Instead, Tier 3 is provided to any student who needs this level of intensive instruction. This also holds true for Tier 1 and Tier 2. A student who has an IEP can access core instruction and Tier 2 intervention at any time a need is determined.

Practical Implications and Examples

Students with IEPs can access core instruction and tiered-level resources based on their level of need within a content area, social-emotional capacity, or behavioral need. SPED staff oversee specialized interventions for the students.

Integrating IEP Goals into MTSS Framework

MTSS makes it easier to blend children’s IFSP goals into everyday routines-like snack time, circle time, or outdoor play - and provide children with developmental delays with the most inclusive environment. The IFSP/One Plan team is made up of the family, a service coordinator, early childhood educators and other service providers. Together, the team can work to coordinate and integrate the IFSP/One Plan goals within the learning opportunities embedded within MTSS framework. Teachers and specialists listen to parents’ insights and build on children’s strengths at home and at school when developing the IFSP/One Plan.

Real-World Examples

A student with a physical disability may need individualized accommodations for physical education, while at the same time be identified as “gifted and talented” in academic domains.
A student who is not progressing toward grade level reading benchmarks may be referred to a Tier 2 reading group to support them in developing reading skills.

Collaboration and Professional Development

Students stand to benefit when special education and MTSS leaders collaborate. Training and continuous professional development are keys for educators to employ MTSS.

Key areas for Collaboration

Leadership
Professional Development
Co-Teaching
Data-Based Decision-Making

Benefits of Collaboration

Collaboration between MTSS and special education leaders enables everyone on the team to learn from each other about the needs of all students, and what interventions best support their growth and learning.

MTSS in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood MTSS provides a unifying framework that bridges prevention, intervention, and special education. By promoting inclusive, responsive practices and ensuring that children receive the right level of support at the right time, MTSS lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

Focus of Early Intervention (EI) services

The focus of Early Intervention (EI) services is helping families enhance the learning and development of their young children so that they can participate fully in family and community activities while maximizing naturally occurring learning opportunities. EI services target the needs of infants/toddlers in one or more areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social or emotional and adaptive or self-help.

Advantages of MTSS in Early Childhood

MTSS can help teachers notice early if a child might need extra support.
Early identification can help educators and families to start needed interventions in a timely fashion.
There are fewer wait-and-see worries; children don’t have to struggle for a long time before getting help.
Early support means children are more likely to develop strong skills to use throughout school and in their lives.

MTSS and School Climate

A well-functioning MTSS framework contributes to a positive school climate, which is strongly associated with higher student engagement and better academic outcomes.

How MTSS Enhances School Climate

Builds trusting relationships between students and staff
Reduces the stigma around interventions by normalizing support
Encourages inclusivity and shared responsibility for student success

Resources and Support for MTSS Implementation

TEA developed a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) and answers document to assist LEAs and parents in understanding more about intervention strategies, parental notification, and student records.

Texas Specific Resources

TIER: A project funded by the Texas Education Agency that has developed a series of modules, or broad topics, that focus on different components of MTSS.
Toolkit: This resource includes a School Mental Health Practice Guide that provides information to support LEAs with building a comprehensive school mental health system.
Best Practices List: This resource includes a repository of research-based practices and best practice-based programs on statutory topics designed to support LEAs with mental health promotion and training.
Texas Resource Database: This database includes school mental health resources (e.g., programs and providers) that have been identified statewide and by ESCs in each region of the state as required by statute.
Bluebonnet Learning: State-developed instructional materials that provide teachers with the tools to foster student success.
Strong Foundations: Provides information about applying for two types of strong foundations grants.

Addressing Mental Health Needs Through MTSS

Youth are experiencing unprecedented rates of mental health distress. To address this crisis, many schools and districts are turning to multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)--a framework for implementing a cohesive set of evidence-based programs and practices.

Fact Sheets to Support Educators

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and the Importance of Promoting Student Well-being
Meeting the Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs of All Students
Using Data to Inform MTSS Efforts to Promote Well-being
Supporting Educator Well-being Using Evidence-Based Supports
Bringing an Equity Lens to Student Well-being through the MTSS Framework: Guiding Questions for Implementation

Using MTSS for SEL and Mental Health

Using MTSS for SEL and mental health is associated with improved social-emotional competencies, coping skills, symptoms, and functioning in students with mental health disorders.

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