MTSS is a comprehensive school improvement framework that includes a continuum of evidence based academic and behavioral supports and services to meet the needs of all students, including students with disabilities. 

Essential Components of MTSS

1. Universal Screening - universal screening of all students
2. Tiered Supports - multi-level prevention system in which students are provided increasingly intensive levels of support
3. Progress Monitoring - ongoing monitoring of student progress
4. Data Based Decision Making - combines universal screening and progress monitoring to inform how the students move through the tiers 

Academic Support

Tier 1 refers to the instruction that all students are given every day. 

Tier 2 refers to the academic support that happens in small group interventions in the classroom. This is provided to students who are not progressing with Tier 1 instruction. 

Tier 3 refers to the more intensive intervention that occurs outside of the classroom by a reading or math interventionist. This is provided to students who are not progressing with Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. 

Behavioral Support 

All SASD schools are accredited Tier 1 PBIS Schools. Common elements of Tier 1 PBIS include teaching behavioral expectations (e.g., Grayson Goals, Be's of Burd), reinforcing (rewarding) positive behavior (e.g., Positive Paws, PBIS days), and preventing problem behavior. 

Some SASD schools impelment Tier 2 behavior interventions. This can include Check-In/Check-Out, social skills instruction, mentorship, and other supports. 

Tier 3 includes intensive, individualized support to improve behavioral and academic outcomes. Formal assessments inform student support. This can include observations completed by a district Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an informal Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP).