Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

A multi-tiered system of support that uses students’ data to make decisions in order to provide high quality instruction and intervention.

MTSS is a framework through which school teams make decisions using data. This data helps school teams plan for instruction for all students, and provide the extra time, support, and interventions as needed. Families are partners in the process. Your student's school will share information about their needs, supports, and progress.

This video provides an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Key Components of MTSS

Collective Responsibility

  • Team approach to meeting the needs of students.
  • Belief that all children will achieve high levels of learning.

High Quality Core Instruction

  • Instruction in academics, behavior, and social and emotional wellness.

Monitoring Student Progress

  • Practice of reviewing student data to determine next steps for instruction and support.

Family, School, and Community Partnerships

  • Partners in setting goals and making decisions about your child's learning.

Data Informed Decision-Making Across the Tiers

  • Ongoing process of collecting and analyzing student data to make decisions.
  • Use of multiple forms of data to support decisions across the tiers (screening, diagnostics, and progress monitoring)

Early Implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions

  • Provision of timely support.
  • Additional, meaningful instruction and skill building for your student based on research.