 New Year, New Opportunities: Strengthening the System
Each school year offers more than a new calendar; it brings opportunities to strengthen the system of supports and meet the needs of every student. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) helps build a preventative and proactive system where all students receive support across all tiers. Within a comprehensive MTSS framework, students receive high-quality, timely instruction and support. A strong Tier 1 builds a solid foundation to maximize student learning.
Schools administer valid and reliable universal screeners to identify students who may be at risk for not meeting benchmarks and to monitor the effectiveness of Tier 1 instruction. For students demonstrating a need for further support, diagnostic assessments and additional data points help MTSS teams make informed decisions about who may benefit from differentiated universal (Tier 1), targeted (Tier 2) or intensive (Tier 3) interventions.
MTSS teams analyze disaggregated data to ensure all students have access and opportunity within the tiered delivery system. A key benchmark is whether 80% or more of the students meet expectations with universal Tier 1 instruction. If not, the MTSS framework calls for strengthening Tier 1 instruction and guides next steps. Throughout the process, teams use collaborative problem-solving and data-based decision-making to ensure intentional instruction and support for all student groups.
For further information, KyMTSS.org provides resources to support teams with the Tiered Delivery System and Collaborative Problem-Solving Teams.
MTSS Team actions for consideration this month:
- Set meeting dates and establish a regular schedule for data review and decision-making for all levels of the MTSS teaming structure (district, school, grade-level/content, intervention teams).
- Review Tier 1 data from academic and behavioral universal screeners to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Disaggregate data to ensure all groups are represented in MTSS planning.
- Explore the KyMTSS Intervention Inventory to assess current interventions and identify gaps or overlaps in the tiered delivery system.
 Support for Multilingual Learners and Educators
The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) Spotlight
Will Spalding, Multilingual Learner Specialist
The Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to welcome Will Spalding as the new Multilingual Learner Specialist. Will brings a deep commitment to supporting multilingual learners, their families, and the educators who serve them. “When our schools and classrooms are welcoming, recognize the assets our multilingual learners bring, and provide high expectations with the right supports, we create the conditions for all students to thrive and pursue a successful future,” Will shares.
As part of his new role, Will plans to collaborate with department leaders and educators across Kentucky to provide responsive, strengths-based support. His focus is to equip schools with the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to foster classrooms where multilingual students feel supported and successful, ultimately working to close the persistent achievement gaps and promote meaningful outcomes.
His personal mission reflects this commitment: “I strive to serve with integrity and purpose—to support educators and uplift our multilingual learners and their families so they feel seen, valued, and empowered to learn and grow.”
Will brings a wealth of experience to this role. He has served as a high school Social Studies teacher, EL teacher, building assessment coordinator, and elementary school Assistant Principal in various school settings. Most recently, he held the roles of Assistant Director of English Learners and Principal of GEO International High School within Warren County Public Schools in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He is also an active member of the Kentucky Coalition for English Learners.
A native of Lebanon, in Marion County, Will now resides in Bowling Green with his wife, Hilarie, and their two daughters, Anderson and Campbell.
Will’s enthusiasm for this work is evident, as his dedication to collaboration, support for all learners, and continuous learning will be a tremendous asset to the team. He is excited to support districts and schools and welcomes the opportunity to connect and partner. Will may be reached via email at william.spalding@education.ky.gov.
 KyMTSS Virtual Sessions
New MTSS District or School Coordinator (Repeat Session)
Explore the KyMTSS website and learn about key resources and tools to support your role.
September 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to noon. ET
Teams Meeting Link
Virtual Office Hours
Open drop-in sessions for anyone with MTSS questions or topics to discuss. Join anytime during the office hours to ask questions and seek technical assistance. Want to schedule a different time? Please contact KDE MTSS Coordinator Melissa Wainwright, Ed.D.
September 4, 2025, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET
September 17, 2025, 10 to 11:00 a.m. ET
Teams Meeting Link
Kentucky Department of Education Technical Assistance
Would you like support with MTSS implementation? The KDE offers technical assistance to districts and schools throughout the state. Please contact KDE MTSS Coordinator Melissa Wainwright, Ed.D.
Kentucky Regional Educational Cooperatives
The eight regional educational cooperatives offer MTSS professional learning and technical assistance. For more information regarding cooperative technical assistance, please contact the MTSS Point of Contact for your region.
KyMTSS Newsletter Archive
Did you miss the last KyMTSS Newsletter? You can access all previous editions of the newsletter on the KyMTSS Newsletter Archive webpage.
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