Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework for meeting individual students’ academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs. Within this system, students are placed on Tier 1, 2, or 3 based on their individual needs. As the Tier level increases from 1 to 3, the level of support provided progresses from classroom-wide support to targeted and intensive interventions.

“MTSS” is often used interchangeably with “RTI,” Response to Intervention. However, MTSS is a framework that encompasses the goals of RTI (intervening for a student’s needs). In Frisco ISD, each campus manages the MTSS process slightly differently. Parents and students can expect that if a student has an academic, behavioral or social-emotional need, the school staff will collaborate to do what is reasonably possible to support growth and improvement in the identified area.

Key Components of MTSS

  • Prevention

  • Early intervention

  • Use of a multi-tiered model of supports

  • Match instruction to the learners’ needs

  • Monitoring of a student’s academic achievement progress

  • Use of  research-based interventions and instruction

  • Ongoing monitoring of student progress 

  • Parental-involvement

Tiers of Support 

  • Tier 1 includes all students, and school staff use appropriate strategies to address all students' educational needs.

  • Tier 2 includes a smaller number of students than Tier 1 who have needs above and beyond those encountered at the Tier 1 level. Meeting a Tier 2 student’s needs may involve a more structured and intentional system or process.

  • Tier 3 includes a small number of students. Students who struggle in Tier 2 will receive increased academic support at this level. Tier 3 offers intensive intervention, additional instruction time and review for possible further data collection or evaluation.

MTSS: Parents as Partners

Parents will always be notified and included in discussions regarding the planning and implementation of Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions for their child. At any time, a parent  is entitled to request an evaluation  for special education or Section 504 services, according to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher, counselor or administrator to learn more about Frisco ISD's Multi-Tiered Systems of Support process.