Listen below:
The MTSS framework is one of those things teachers hear about all the time—but understanding exactly what MTSS looks like in your classroom can feel a little less clear.
What is the difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3? Who receives intervention? How do you know when a student needs additional support? And where does your everyday classroom instruction fit into all of this?
In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is breaking down the basics of the MTSS framework to help you understand what it is, why it matters, and what it means for you as a classroom teacher.
And if MTSS has ever felt complicated or overwhelming, our goal is to make it feel much simpler.
What Is the MTSS Framework?
MTSS stands for Multi Tiered System of Supports. One of the biggest misconceptions about MTSS is that it’s a separate intervention program designed only for struggling students.
In reality, the MTSS framework is designed to support all students.
Think of MTSS as a system for making sure students receive the right level of support at the right time. Rather than waiting for students to fall significantly behind, teachers use strong core instruction, targeted intervention, data, and progress monitoring to identify needs and respond appropriately.
That’s where the three tiers come in.
Understanding Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3
Tier 1 is the foundation of the MTSS framework. It includes the high quality core instruction every student receives in the general education classroom. When Tier 1 instruction is strong and effective, most students should be able to make progress with core classroom instruction.
But even with excellent Tier 1 instruction, some students will need additional support.
Tier 2 provides targeted instruction for students who aren’t making adequate progress with Tier 1 alone. This support is typically delivered in smaller groups and focuses on a student’s specific skill gap.
Tier 3 is the most intensive level of support. Instruction becomes even more individualized, explicit, and targeted based on a student’s needs.
Using Data to Make MTSS Decisions
Another important part of MTSS in education is using data to guide instructional decisions. Assessment and progress monitoring can help teachers determine what students already know, identify specific skill gaps, evaluate whether an intervention is working, and decide when support needs to become more or less intensive.
The goal isn’t to collect more data just for the sake of having it. The goal is to use that information to make better decisions for students. When we consistently monitor student progress, we can intervene earlier rather than waiting until learning gaps become even larger.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- What the MTSS framework is and how it supports all students
- Why strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of MTSS
- The differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support
- Why MTSS tiers should describe support rather than label students
- How data and progress monitoring guide instructional decisions
If you’ve ever wondered how to make MTSS in the classroom feel more manageable, start by remembering that MTSS isn’t another thing to add to your plate. Much of what you’re already doing—providing strong instruction, looking at student data, identifying skill gaps, and adjusting support—is part of the framework.
Tune in to get a clearer understanding of how the MTSS framework works and how each tier can help you provide students with the support they need to be successful.
And be sure to join us next week as we continue the conversation and move from understanding MTSS to putting it into practice in your literacy classroom.
Supportive Resources for Upper Elementary Teachers:
- Join The Stellar Literacy Collective – If the MTSS framework feels overwhelming to put into practice, the Stellar Literacy Collective can help. Get access to ready to use, research based literacy resources that support strong Tier 1 instruction, targeted small groups, and reading intervention so you can more confidently give students the level of support they need.
Connect with me:
- Join my newsletter
- Shop my TPT store here
- Instagram: @thestellarteachercompany
- Facebook: The Stellar Teacher Company
The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.
Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a research-backed framework. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.
Click HERE to learn more!
Understanding the MTSS framework can feel like a lot—especially when you’re trying to figure out what Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 actually look like in your classroom. The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Every episode is full of teacher tips! Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.