KyMTSS Newsletter - August 24, 2023

*New* Kentucky Multi-Tiered System of Supports (KyMTSS)  

Four-Part Video Collection 

“Of all the things I’ve done before, the most vital is coordinating those who work with me and aiming their efforts at a certain goal.”

- Walt Disney 

As a new MTSS coordinator, it is important to start by familiarizing yourself with the MTSS framework and implementation process in your school or district. This includes understanding the six essential elements of KyMTSS, consisting of equitable access and opportunity, tiered delivery model, collaborative problem solving teams, data-based decision making, family and community partnerships, and evidence-based practices.

Additionally, conduct a review of existing data and identify areas where improvements can be made. Collaborate with colleagues and seek professional learning opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills in MTSS implementation. Many resources to support this work are available on the KyMTSS.org website.  

Back-to-School Virtual Session for New MTSS Coordinator 

• Sept. 6 
• 11 a.m. to noon ET 
• Resource Overview Teams Video Call  

All new MTSS coordinators are invited to a back-to-school KyMTSS Resource Overview Virtual Teams Session to learn more about the resources provided for KyMTSS implementation.

During this session, Melissa E. Wainwright, Ed.D, MTSS coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Education, will provide a brief overview of the KyMTSS website. Additionally, she will highlight three key resources: the KyMTSS Implementation Guide, the KyMTSS Self-Assessment Tool and the KyMTSS video collection. Time will be provided for questions during the virtual session.

This session will be recorded and shared with district and regional MTSS points of contact.  

Primary Roles of MTSS Coordinators 

A primary  role of a multi-tiered system of supports coordinator involves overseeing the implementation of an MTSS Framework in a school or district. This includes working collaboratively with teachers, administrators and support staff to ensure that students receive the appropriate level of instruction,  intervention and support at all levels..

The MTSS coordinator facilitates the process of establishing collaboration and effective communication throughout the organization. As an MTSS coordinator, the work is most effective and efficient through a collaborative teaming structure. Some of the key responsibilities of the MTSS team include establishing a process for: 

Save the Date: Virtual Session for District MTSS Points of Contact 

• Sept. 28
• 1-2 p.m. ET 
• MTSS Points of Contact Teams Video Call  

District MTSS points of contact are invited to attend a video call on Sept. 28. This virtual session will be a time to learn about resources and support available through KyMTSS and the local educational cooperatives. Time also will be provided for coordinators to ask questions and connect with other district MTSS points of contact.

During this session, Melissa E. Wainwright, Ed.D, MTSS coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Education, will provide a brief overview of the KyMTSS website and  highlight key resources.

This session will be recorded and shared with district and regional MTSS points of contact.  

In this edition: 

KyMTSS Virtual Office Hours 

Virtual Office Hours Teams Video Call 

• Aug 31: 1-2 p.m. ET 
• Sept. 6: 1-2 p.m. ET 
• Sept. 28: 11 a.m. to noon ET

Reading Improvement Plan Template Available 

Per the Read to Succeed Act amendments to KRS 158.305, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, if a student’s rate of progress toward proficiency in reading needs accelerated interventions as demonstrated by the results of an approved universal screener and reading diagnostic assessment, the local school district shall provide students and families with a Reading Improvement Plan.  

This plan should be developed in collaboration and in accordance with any existing program services plan, individualized education program or Section 504 Plan unless the program services plan, individualized education program or Section 504 Plan already addresses improving reading. 

To assist districts in effectively developing and implementing Reading Improvement Plans, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has developed a Reading Improvement Plan Template as an example that incorporates the requirements of KRS 158.305. Districts may modify the template to fit the local context as needed.  

This template can be used during the problem-solving process to document intervention plans, progress monitoring data and parent notification. An existing student intervention plan developed, implemented and monitored as part of a multi-tiered system of supports also may meet the requirements of the reading improvement plan if it addresses the components required by Senate Bill 9 – The Read to Succeed Act (2022).   

The template can be found on KDE's Early Literacy Resource webpage. 

*NEW* Read At Home Plan Family Guide Now Available

Per the Read to Succeed Act amendments to KRS 158.305, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, if a student’s rate of progress toward proficiency in reading needs accelerated interventions as demonstrated by the results of an approved universal screener and reading diagnostic assessment, the local school district shall provide families of identified students with a Read At Home Plan. 

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) values strong partnerships between schools and families and recognizes strong partnerships are built on clear communication and support. The “Read at Home Plan Family Guide” is created on these values and supports the implementation of the student’s Reading Improvement Plan. 

The “Read At Home Plan Family Guide'' includes learning experiences families can have with children at home to support their reading skills development. Additionally, the guide includes information about Senate Bill 9 (2022), Reading Improvement Plans and the key role families play in student success. A glossary of literacy terms and general tips for reading at home also are included. The at-home learning experiences contained in this document are organized into the five essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension). 

KDE is happy to partner with district and school administrators and teachers to offer support through the Read at Home Plan Family Guide to help districts effectively implement Read At Home Plans. The guide can be found on KDE's Early Literacy Resource webpage. 

For more information regarding the Read at Home Plan Family Guide, please contact Christie Biggerstaff, KDE director of early literacy.