As an administrator, one of the most rewarding experiences was when teachers came to me with a well-defined problem of practice. I am sure it wasn’t easy for them to say, “Urgh… my students are really struggling with writing stamina. Let me share the curriculum materials and my process, what I have tried already, and then I want to show you the results.” They would share what they had already tried, the data they had collected, and their proposal to try something different. Essentially, these teachers did exactly what the system asked them to do, but the data didn’t reflect the growth we expected.
These moments were always powerful because they showed the dedication and innovation necessary to ensure all students make effective progress in a multi-tiered system. I was always on board with their proposals because they were grounded in data and a clear understanding of their students’ needs. This proactive approach highlights the importance of having a strong Tier 1 foundation and embracing teaching as a craft to figure out what works best for all students in Tier 1. Without quality core instruction, it’s difficult to build effective interventions, and we get caught in trying to intervene our way out instead of addressing Tier 1 and the problem-solving necessary.
"Effective Tier 1 instruction can meet the needs of approximately 80% of students, reducing the number of students requiring more intensive interventions."
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) focus heavily on creating strong Tier 1 instruction, which is the first and best instruction all students receive. Research indicates that when Tier 1 instruction is robust and inclusive, the need for additional interventions decreases significantly. According to the National Center on Response to Intervention, effective Tier 1 instruction can meet the needs of approximately 80% of students, reducing the number of students requiring more intensive interventions. Now, there is a lot more to MTSS, but to put it into perspective for my fellow teachers, I want to Zoom into the foundation of Tier 1 and what you can do to help to build a more inclusive Tier 1 environment.
MTSS isn’t only about tiered supports (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3). It’s about building a system where all educators have the capacity to design instruction that meets the needs of all students academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. And goodness - that is NOT easy and many of us, myself included, don’t have the skill for that YET. That’s okay!!
Professional learning and collaboration are critical components of successful Tier 1 instruction. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that teachers who engage in ongoing professional development and collaborative practices are more effective in implementing inclusive instructional strategies. The research underscores the importance of providing educators with the tools and support they need to create engaging and effective learning environments. We also know from research that teachers who have sustained professional development, up to 49 hours a year, can significantly increase the outcomes of learners.
Now, what if your district doesn’t provide that much PD?
Collecting data is another crucial element. The Data Quality Campaign highlights that data-driven decision-making can significantly improve student outcomes because teachers can figure out what works, so they can replicate it and figure out what doesn’t, so they can try something different. What a gift to not continue to bang your head up against the proverbial frustration wall. Regularly collect data on student performance and use this information to inform your instruction. When you have concrete data, you can advocate for the resources and support you need to enhance your teaching practices and provide the best possible learning environment for your students.
Basically, you can argue, “I tried these inclusive practices - here was my methodology and here was the impact on students…”, it's a great way to scale practices. On the flip side, if you try something with integrity and it isn’t effective you can say, “I tried to implement these evidence based practices and I would love more support as the outcomes don’t align with the research.” This is the epitome of professional vulnerability, problem solving and the true value of data-driven decision making. By collecting and analyzing data, teachers can advocate for the support they need to enhance Tier 1 instruction and ensure that all students are making progress.
To create strong Tier 1 instruction, it's essential to focus on key strategies that work! Tune in to episode 10 of The Education Table, What is MTSS? A Quick Rundown of Everything a Teacher Needs to Know to learn strategies and to learn about embracing the culture of error!
Strong Tier One instruction is the foundation of MTSS. Ensure that your core instruction is engaging, inclusive, and effective. By focusing on high-quality Tier 1 practices, you can reduce the need for more intensive interventions and create a learning environment where all students can thrive. One of my favorite things to say is, “You can’t intervention your way out of weak Tier 1” and PD, data and creativity are 3 variables that can definitely help us move forward.
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