28. Clearing up Misconceptions around MTSS with Dr. Stephanie Stollar
Mar 18, 2025
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Dr. Stephanie Stollar, co-author of 'MTSS for Reading Improvement' and founder of Reading Science Academy, dives deep into the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She clarifies that MTSS isn't just an intervention model but a holistic framework for literacy improvement. Stollar discusses the importance of data-driven decisions and effective core teaching, while debunking myths about the system. The conversation also touches on proactive strategies for special education and the need for collaboration among educators to enhance student outcomes.
MTSS is not just an intervention model; it is a comprehensive framework aimed at improving literacy outcomes for all students.
The tiered model of MTSS emphasizes the necessity of effective Tier 1 instruction to minimize the need for further interventions.
Regular collaboration among educators is crucial for using data effectively to adjust instructional strategies and enhance student success.
Deep dives
Understanding MTSS and Its Purpose
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is fundamentally about school improvement and creating systems that accommodate the diverse needs of all students. It emphasizes using data-driven strategies to ensure that every learner, regardless of academic or behavioral challenges, receives the appropriate level of support. The model consists of multiple tiers focused not merely on reading but on holistic improvements in all academic subjects and behaviors. By integrating this framework effectively, schools can enhance overall student success and prevent educational difficulties before they arise.
The Importance of Tiered Instruction
The tiered model of MTSS consists of various levels of instruction, typically depicted as a triangle or pyramid. In this model, Tier 1 involves what should be robust and effective core instruction that includes all students, allowing the majority to succeed without additional interventions. Tiers 2 and 3 provide supplemental support for those who require extra help, emphasizing that these interventions should not replace, but rather add to, the core instruction they received in Tier 1. This structured approach highlights the critical need for effective Tier 1 instruction to reduce the number of students who require further intervention.
Essential Components of Effective Tier 1 Instruction
Effective Tier 1 instruction should be differentiated, catering to the varied needs of students at different skill levels, thereby ensuring that all learners make progress. It requires educators to make data-driven decisions about instructional time, grouping strategies, and instructional materials. A successful implementation of Tier 1 means moving away from a rigid curriculum delivery and being more responsive to what the data suggests regarding student needs. Ultimately, improving Tier 1 instruction can significantly reduce the reliance on interventions and lead to better reading outcomes for all students.
Navigating Instructional Decisions and Team Collaboration
For schools to optimize their instructional practices, regular collaboration among all educators is essential, including those providing special education and support services. Utilizing data, teachers should meet weekly to discuss student progress and adjust their strategies based on screening results. This collaborative approach encourages open communication, trust, and shared responsibility in meeting all students' needs. By integrating resources and knowledge, educators can create a more cohesive plan that emphasizes proactive instruction rather than reactive interventions.
Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Establishing a culture that acknowledges both successes and failures is paramount in education reform efforts, particularly with MTSS. Educators should feel encouraged to experiment with instructional strategies and learn from any missteps without impacting their professional identities negatively. It's suggested that teachers band together to advocate for necessary changes in their systems and engage their school leaders in data-driven discussions about literacy improvement. By fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, schools can gradually shift toward achieving better literacy outcomes for all students.
Dr. Stephanie Stollar, co-author of “MTSS for Reading Improvement” & founder of Reading Science Academy, joins me to break down MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and clear up common misconceptions surrounding this framework. Many educators see MTSS as just an intervention model, but it’s so much more—it’s a system-wide approach to improving reading outcomes for all students. We discuss the tiers of instruction, how to make data-driven decisions, and how schools can shift toward more effective literacy practices. Whether you're an administrator, teacher, or simply a stakeholder in student literacy outcomes, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps to make MTSS work in your school.
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