{ 8 Critical Indicators

of a Multi-tiered System of Student Support (MTSS)

Schools and districts seeking to transform their system methodology (routines and processes), to a methodology that meets the demands of the 21st century, will find that the following eight indicators describe the transformation. The indicators provide a broad outline that guides the initiation of the task and against which progress can be measured.

A New Methodology for Public Education

Miller Guidance

Collaborative teams accept shared responsibility and decision making for students at a grade level. This collabortion includes parents and community members. They establish common beliefs, language and protocols to support implementation.

1. Collaborative teams

There is recognition that the core program is the most powerful environment for impacting student performance. A shared definition of the essential components of core instruction including basic skills, content area knowledge and social emotional factors exists across teachers.

2. Core Program

District, schools and grade level teams use assessments in a decision making hierarchy that insures that assessments are used for the purpose for which they were designed. This includes universal screening tools, common formative assessments, diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring tools and program evaluation or accountability assessments.

3. Assessment Hierarchy

Data is used for decision making at all

levels of the district. It is used for problem

identification, problem analysis, plan

development and plan evaluation.

Consistent guidelines are used for choosing

cut scores, setting goals, and determining

adequate progress.

4. Data Based Decisions

Only assessments and instructional practices that have been proven to be effective through rigorous research and peer review are used. Instructional tools are used under the conditions that yielded positive student growth. At the secondary level this includes the use of well-constructed syllabi, and attendance and grading procedures that create an environment in which students are successful.

5. Guided by Research

There are multiple tiers of instructional support matched to student need. Instructional integrity is emphasized at all levels. Supplemental support is targeted and non-optional for students at risk.

6. Multiple Options

The impact of instructional programming is monitored regularly. Resources are used flexibly to meet the ongoing needs of students. Interventionists provide instruction to students based on need rather than program parameters.

7. Flexible Use of Resources

Resources are used efficiently. Regular review of student progress and standardized decision rules help to insure that the students with the greatest need receive the most intensive support. Also, a highly effective core program decreases the need for resource intensive supplemental support.

8. Efficient Use of Resources

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