We Must Fix MTSS
Time to confront the uncomfortable truth that our education system is not serving our students as effectively as it should. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework designed to provide varying levels of support based on student needs, has come under scrutiny. A revamp of MTSS is not just necessary but imperative for the success of today’s students. If we do not fix MTSS many students will be left without invaluable foundational skills.
The current state of education sees an unexpected majority—over 70% of students—requiring additional help, which significantly surpasses the 25% originally anticipated by the MTSS framework. This mismatch has placed undue strain on educators and students alike, highlighting the inadequacies of a one-size-fits-all approach to curriculum and support. School stakeholders know the pressing need for high-quality Tier 1 instruction that incorporates a dynamic curriculum and effective teaching strategies tailored to diverse learning styles.
Enhancing Tier 1 instruction alone is not enough. A comprehensive overhaul of the MTSS is critical. This involves equipping educators with the necessary training, resources, and streamlined processes. These improvements aim to make intervention implementation and progress monitoring more efficient and effective. We must fix MTSS to prevalent skill gaps among students, especially in foundational subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic. The frustration expressed by secondary education teachers over their students’ lack of basic skills underscores the urgent need for systemic change.
While MTSS was not designed to cater to the majority, its core principles, when applied effectively, can rapidly improve students’ foundational skills and academic outcomes.
The podcast episode below identifies the cracks in the current system but also provides a roadmap for constructing a more robust and effective MTSS. In order to solve the education crisis, we must fix MTSS.
All stakeholders must embrace change and work collaboratively to develop a future-proof strategy that adapts to the evolving needs of our student population. We must commit to a holistic transformation of our support systems to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of urgency and a promise for continued discussion on demystifying MTSS and its critical role in the direction of special education.
To fix MTSS, we must reimagine interventions in contemporary education and to craft a strategy that is inclusive, individualized, and future-proof. It is time for a a stark reality check and a beacon of hope for those invested in creating a better future for our learners.