The Framework of MTSS at Kennedale Independent School District includes four essential components:
- Universal screening of all students at certain grade levels three times each year to identify students who may need interventions. Teachers use certain assessments to identify which students are struggling and with what knowledge and skill areas they have problems.
- The campus Student Support Team meets regularly to discuss the needs of students in the MTSS process and identify students who may need to be referred to MTSS. This team is made up of campus administrators, counselors, and teachers.
- Regular interventions in small group settings are matched to the needs of the student. Interventions are aimed at specific identified academic or behavioral needs. These research-based teaching strategies or methods may include reteaching prerequisite skills, breaking down the steps to solve problems, use of targeted instructional resources, additional practice in certain skills, technology-based interventions, and more.
- The student’s progress is regularly monitored and adjustments are made based on the student’s level of progress. Teachers look at assessment data and make observations to determine if an intervention is successful or needs to be changed. When students show adequate progress they may no longer receive interventions but will continue to be monitored to identify problems early. When a student does not show progress, the intervention grouping and delivery may be changed.
This framework will be implemented as appropriate to the student’s grade level. The MTSS level, referred to as a tier, helps determine the intensity of instruction, frequency of interventions, and level of progress monitoring needed. If students do not make progress with intense and frequent interventions, they may be referred for additional services through Special Student Services. The MTSS process will never be used to delay or deny a student's right to an initial evaluation for special education and related services.
