Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) At a Glance

• Illinois defines a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as a framework for continuous improvement that is systemic, prevention-focused, and data-informed, providing a coherent continuum of supports responsive to meet the needs of ALL learners.
• In a fully implemented MTSS framework, ALL means ALL; all students, all educators, all families.
• MTSS is a framework that includes supports to raise achievement and improve behavior.
• MTSS recognizes that successful whole child/whole student outcomes come from a collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

• Effective implementation of an MTSS framework takes time and commitment. In order to reach full implementation, implementers should expect the process to take 2-4 years. (source: Colorado Department of Education)
• MTSS is supported by significant research that has occurred prior to and since the 2004 Reauthorization of IDEA. A list of evidence can be found in this Annotated Bibliography: Illinois MTSS Evidence

MTSS: Core Principles

MTSS is a student-centered, evidenced based framework that maintains an intentional focus on the needs of all learners. The following core principles outline the practices that must be in place to ensure effective implementation of MTSS:

Essential components to an effective and sustainable Multi-Tiered System of Supports:

• Leadership and continuous improvement planning
• Assessment system
• Data-based problem solving
• Three-tiered instruction and intervention model
• Data-based decision making for system evaluation
• Communication and collaboration
• Infrastructure for implementation

An MTSS model aligns resources in schools to provide high quality instruction and intervention matched to student needs. Learning rate over time and level of performance are used to inform instructional decisions. The MTSS model addresses both academic and behavior needs of students through high quality instruction and interventions developed to meet those needs.

Legislative History of MTSS

	No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2001; the reauthorization of Elementary & Secondary Education Act)	Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004)	Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015)	Illinois School Code (May 2018; March 2021)	Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Teach all children effectively	✔	✔	✔		✔
Support all students equitably			✔		✔
Require use of evidence-based practices in instruction, interventions (academic, behavioral, and social-emotional)		✔	✔		✔
Utilize data to monitor student progress and inform instruction	✔	✔			✔
Utilize data and problem-solving to make decisions	✔	✔			✔
Provide resources and professional learning opportunities for educators on differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, assessment systems, and data literacy			✔		✔
Promote positive school climates & trauma-informed practices; reduce use of exclusionary discipline practices			✔		✔
Provide resources for family/caretaker engagement			✔		✔
Provide access to professional learning opportunities including emphasis on Governance and Management, Curriculum and Instruction, and Climate and Culture			✔		✔
Emphasize capacity-building strategies for sustainability			✔		✔
Provide a system of support to students who are at risk of reaching or exceeding chronic absence levels [Full Citation][Illinois Attendance Commission Final Report to the General Assembly, December 2020)]				✔	✔
Each district shall implement the use of multi-tiered systems of support as part of the (student progress) evaluation procedure as well as for consideration of special education eligibility [Full Citation 1] [Full Citation 2]				✔	✔
Ensure improved student outcomes	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔

Contact Us!

To learn more about how an MTSS framework can support your school or district, send an email to ilmtss@niu.edu.