When a struggling student goes unnoticed, the gap widens every week. Students fall further behind, behavior referrals rise, and staff get stretched covering needs that surfaced too late. Every student deserves an equal chance to excel academically, behaviorally, and socially.
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework addresses these diverse needs. MTSS is a data-driven approach providing a continuum of supports for all students, tailored to each school and community. It’s designed to ensure that every student gets the necessary interventions and services.
This guide answers the question “What is MTSS in education?” It covers the core components, the 3 tiers, how MTSS compares to related frameworks, and the steps to implement it.
Key Takeaways
- MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a proactive, data-driven framework with 4 components: screening, progress monitoring, a multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision making.
- The 3 tiers serve different student populations: Tier 1 supports 80% or more of students with universal instruction, Tier 2 provides targeted interventions for 10–15%, and Tier 3 delivers intensive individualized support for 1–5%.
- MTSS is the umbrella framework that encompasses both Response to Intervention (RTI) for academics and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for behavior.
- Districts can use up to 15% of IDEA Part B funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions for students not identified for special education.
- Whether MTSS data can be used for special education identification depends on state law, with California explicitly stating MTSS is not designed for placement decisions.
What Is MTSS in Education?
MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a proactive, preventive framework. It uses data to match every student to the right level of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. The Center on MTSS names 4 essential components: screening, progress monitoring, a multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision making.
Without a shared framework, each teacher responds to struggling students differently, and many needs go unmet. MTSS provides high-quality instruction that meets students’ needs. It identifies students early and provides targeted instruction to maximize achievement in academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning (SEL) development.
Importance of MTSS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 33.3% of U.S. high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2025. Among those students, 28.8% reported an unmet need for counseling or therapy. Across all high school students, 15.4% reported an unmet need.
The CDC also cites National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) School Pulse Panel data on school capacity. In 2025, only 52% of public school administrators reported their school could provide mental health services to all students who needed them.
Early identification and intervention address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, preventing severe problems later. Focusing on the whole child enhances student outcomes and promotes equity.
Core Components of MTSS
MTSS works when all 4 components run together:
Screening: Assessments identify at-risk students in academics, behavior, and social-emotional areas.
Multi-level prevention system: Based on screening data, students receive tiered instruction at varying support levels using evidence-based practices.
Progress monitoring: Regular checks ensure interventions’ effectiveness, with adjustments as needed.
Data-based decision making: Teams review data to adjust tiers. Students showing progress may move tiers, while those who plateau may need more intense interventions or an evaluation.
Benefits of Implementing MTSS
Without a shared system, schools react to academic and behavior problems after they escalate. Implementing MTSS creates a proactive and responsive educational environment that meets the diverse needs of all students.
- Early identification: The Office of Special Education Programs cites research that learning problems identified earlier can be addressed more quickly and effectively.
- Behavior and social-emotional outcomes: The Center on PBIS rates Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) evidence-based for reducing exclusionary discipline and improving these outcomes.
- Data-informed instruction: Teachers learn to use data-driven results to inform instruction in an equitable, inclusive environment.
- Fewer referrals: In a randomized Pediatrics trial across 37 Maryland elementary schools, students with school-wide PBIS were 33% less likely to receive discipline referrals.
The Tiers of MTSS
A single response to every struggling student leaves some under-supported and spends scarce staff time where it isn’t needed. There are 3 tiers in MTSS, each with differing degrees of need, support, intensity, and interventions.
The Center on PBIS estimates most students (80% or more) succeed with Tier 1, about 10–15% need Tier 2, and 1–5% need Tier 3. Local screening data should drive the actual split.
Tier 1: Universal Supports
Tier 1 includes universal support, or support for all students. These supports are provided in the general education classroom. They are intended to promote successful academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for most students (80% or more).
Examples of Tier 1 interventions:
- The general education standards-based curriculum
- Regular assessments
- Relationship building
- School-wide expectations and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
- Any whole school SEL programs
Tier 2: Targeted Supports
Tier 2 provides targeted interventions for students who are not adequately responding to Tier 1 supports. These students are identified through universal screenings and ongoing progress monitoring. On average, they make up about 10–15% of the student population.
Examples of Tier 2 interventions:
- Small group instruction (typically 3–7 students, per the Center on MTSS)
- Interventions that focus on a specific skill or deficit
- Increased intensity and frequency of instruction
- Frequent progress monitoring, often at least twice a month
- Student Support Plan
- Social-emotional supports, such as group counseling
For more ideas, explore these high-impact Tier 2 interventions.
Tier 3: Intensive Supports
Tier 3 intervention includes intensive and individualized interventions. This tier is for students who need more support than what’s provided in Tiers 1 and 2. It typically includes 1–5% of the school’s population.
Examples of Tier 3 interventions:
- Small groups of no more than 3 students, or individual sessions, per the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University‘s reading intervention model
- Interventions that are tailored to each student’s needs
- Increased intensity and frequency of instruction as compared to Tier 2
- Progress monitoring at least weekly
- Behavior Intervention Plan and/or behavior mentor
- Wraparound services
- onone sessions with School Social Worker
- Related service provider interventions, such as speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT)speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT)
MTSS vs. RTI vs. PBIS
Treating these terms as separate programs can split one support system into competing initiatives. MTSS is the broader framework, and the other two sit within it.
- MTSS: The umbrella framework for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for all students.
- Response to Intervention (RTI): A tiered approach focused on academics.
- PBIS: A tiered approach focused on behavior.
The California Department of Education (CDE) states that “MTSS encompasses both RtI² and PBIS, and systematically addresses support for all students.” RtI² is California’s term for its version of RTI.
The MTSS Process: How to Implement MTSS in Schools
Without a clear process, screening data goes unused and interventions vary by classroom. These steps outline the MTSS process for your school:
- Build a Leadership Team: Establish a team to oversee the MTSS implementation process, including administrators, teachers, and service providers.
- Conduct Needs Assessment: Evaluate current practices and identify areas needing improvement.
- Develop a Plan: Create a comprehensive MTSS plan outlining goals, strategies, and timelines. Proactively plan the master schedule with screeners and progress monitoring in mind.
Map funding early: Districts may use up to 15% of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS).
Choose Curriculum: Research appropriate curricula that are evidence-based and will best fit your school and its needs.
Train Staff: Provide professional development to ensure all staff understand MTSS and their roles.
Implement Universal Screening
- Group Students: Use data to group students in the appropriate tiers.
- Provide Tiered Interventions and Supports: When properly implemented, tiered supports have consistent practices, data-driven decision making, collaboration, and professional development.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess students’ progress and adjust interventions as necessary.
- Evaluate and Adjust: Continuously review the effectiveness of MTSS and make necessary adjustments.
Teachers’ Roles in MTSS Implementation
When teachers lack resources and training, Tier 1 weakens and more students need intensive support. Teachers deliver Tier 1 instruction, identify students needing additional support, implement Tier 2 and 3 interventions, and monitor progress. They collaborate with specialists and adjust instruction based on data.
Teachers are a core component in a thriving MTSS system and need appropriate resources and development.
Professional Development
Without ongoing training, interventions drift from fidelity and data goes unused. Educators need continuous support to stay updated on best practices and intervention strategies. Professional development provides educators with the necessary tools and knowledge., such as eLuma’s professional development programs, provides educators with the necessary tools and knowledge.
eLuma’s sessions focus on enhancing teachers’ skills in delivering evidence-based interventions, using data to inform instruction, and collaborating effectively within the MTSS framework. This continuous learning ensures educators are equipped to meet all students’ diverse needs.
eLuma’s Solutions
MTSS depends on qualified staff at every tier. When specialist roles go unfilled, service gaps follow—intervention plans stall, re-evaluations go overdue, and internal teams get stretched.
eLuma provides K-12 school districts with credentialed providers and end-to-end student services—including special education instruction—delivered virtually, hybrid, or on-site. Trusted by 500+ districts since 2011, eLuma works alongside district teams to meet special education and mental health intervention needs.
Services include Individualized Education Program (IEP)-based related services, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental and behavioral health, school psychology and counseling, and universal screening.
With eLuma, you gain access to a dedicated customer success team, experienced clinicians and providers, and the Insight™ caseload management platform. These resources help districts address capacity challenges, remain compliant, and keep services consistent for every student.
Integration into the MTSS Framework
eLuma’s providers deliver services at each tier:
- Tier 1: Universal screening and professional development, with SSIS results aligned to the SSIS Classwide Intervention Program (CIP) for Tier 1.
- Tier 2: Small-group interventions using CIP-T2, plus group counseling tailored to specific student needs.
Tier 3: Credentialed SLPs, OTs, school psychologists, and counselors deliver IEP-based related services
By aligning with MTSS principles, eLuma helps schools address academic, behavioral, and SEL challenges comprehensively, ensuring all students receive appropriate levels of support. Check out one of our success stories demonstrating the positive impact of eLuma’s services.
Frequently Asked Questions About MTSS
-
What is MTSS in Schools?
MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports, a data-driven framework that matches every student to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. It rests on 4 components: screening, progress monitoring, a multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision making.
-
What did MTSS used to be called?
MTSS grew out of Response to Intervention (RTI), an academic-only tiered model, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a behavior-focused model. The California Department of Education says MTSS encompasses both RtI² and PBIS.
-
What are Tier 3 interventions?
Tier 3 interventions are intensive, individualized supports for about 1–5% of students. They include small groups of no more than 3 students or individual sessions, weekly progress monitoring, Behavior Intervention Plans, wraparound services, and related services such as speech-language pathology and occupational therapy.
-
Can MTSS Be Used to Identify Students for Special Education?
The Center on MTSS says MTSS data may support identification "depending on state law." The CDE says MTSS "is not designed for consideration in special education placement decisions."