Behavior Domain: Building a Tiered Delivery System
Kentucky’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) includes three domains: academic, social-emotional and behavioral. Many schools and districts implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which is one approach to addressing the behavior domain. As in the academic and social-emotional domains, the behavioral domain is strengthened by identifying and delivering the instruction, interventions and high quality resources students need across all tiers.
Having a proactive behavior system extends beyond codes of conduct and discipline matrices. The system relies on data-based decision-making and collaborative problem-solving to ensure students receive the right support at the right time. The goal is to provide students with learning in an environment designed to instruct, reinforce and sustain positive behavior. Whatever phase of implementation your school or district is in, take a little time to reflect on the behavior system through a tiered delivery lens. The suggested actions and resources below may support your team in the process.
Tiered Practices:
- Tier 1 (Universal): School-wide expectations, positive reinforcement, consistent consequences and ongoing data collection and analysis. Use school-wide data and adjust universal practices as needed.
- Tier 2 (Targeted): Small-group instruction, mentoring and evidence-based interventions. Use targeted and demographic data to identify students who may benefit from small group or targeted intervention.
- Tier 3 (Intensive): Wraparound Services, Functional Behavioral Assessments and individualized implementation plans. Examine individual student data across settings and progress monitoring data from Tier 2.
MTSS Team Actions for the Month: Strengthening Tier 1
As the school year progresses, early fall data from multiple sources can help refine Tier 1. Here are a few actions to consider:
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Review schoolwide data (behavior referrals, attendance, early warning indicators, surveys) to identify trends and adjust expectations and universal supports as needed.
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Monitor consistency of schoolwide routines, reinforcement system and behavioral expectations to ensure consistency across the campus.
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Communicate progress to reinforce clear commitment to expectations and positive behaviors.
Reflection Prompt:
How is your MTSS team using fall data to guide Tier 1 instruction and support? How might you adjust your practices this month to strengthen the system?
Resources to Explore and Support Behavior Domain
KDE
University of Louisville, Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research in Schools (CIBRS)
American Institutes of Research (AIR)
Other
New MTSS District or School Coordinator (Repeat Session)
Explore the KyMTSS website and learn about key resources and tools to support your role.
October 23, 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.
October 23, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.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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