Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are data-driven decision-making frameworks that create inclusive, positive, and safe school communities to support an effective learning environment for all students. All schools within SMCPS have an MTSS/PBIS Team. The MTSS/PBIS teams meet monthly to review school-wide behavior and attendance data. This data is used to create action plans which can include social-emotional learning tools, behavioral supports/interventions, attendance strategies, and more! This data-driven, equity-centered process addresses the needs of all students. Each school has a set of behavioral expectations that are specifically taught to help students learn the expected behaviors and routines of their school community. Want to support this initiative? Find out what your child’s school’s expectations are and discuss them with your child at home.

In addition to each school having an MTSS team, there is a district-level MTSS team to support those individual teams' efforts.  Their vision statement is as follows: “The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) District Team is committed to ensuring that every student receives the academic, behavioral, mental health, and social-emotional supports needed to build independence and to thrive. The MTSS mission and practices are endorsed by system leaders and validated through long-term fidelity measures and data outcomes. Through a collaborative and equity-focused framework, schools foster positive behaviors and relationships and create safe, inclusive learning environments. Utilizing data-driven instruction and interventions, schools sustain effective practices that lead to lasting outcomes for all learners.”

An image showing the six core components of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.

The diagram features the text "MTSS" in large, bold black letters at the center of a circular arrangement. Surrounding the text are six colored ovals, each containing a white line-art icon and the name of a specific component. Black dotted lines connect the ovals in a ring.

Starting from the top left and moving clockwise, the components are:

• Shared Leadership (Orange oval): Features an icon of three people arranged in a circle with arrows pointing between them, representing collaboration.
• Communication, Collaboration, and Partnerships (Blue oval): Features an icon of two hands shaking, symbolizing partnership.
• Evidence-Based Practices (Red oval): Features an icon of a magnifying glass focusing on a checklist with checkboxes, symbolizing evaluation and research.
• Data-Based Problem-Solving and Decision-Making (Green oval): Features an icon of an arrow pointing toward three interlocking gears, representing a process driven by data.
• Layered Continuum of Supports (Purple oval): Features an icon of a pyramid divided into three tiers, representing the levels of student support.
• Building Capacity and Infrastructure (Teal oval): Features an icon of a person pointing to a presentation board, representing training and structural development.