Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Implementation Challenges and Resources
As schools and districts implement an MTSS framework, challenges often surface. The guidance below highlights two common implementation challenges and pairs each with a practical, research-based resource to support collaborative problem-solving. These resources provide tools and examples that strengthen MTSS practices and promote timely instruction, intervention and support for students.
🚧Implementation Challenge: High School MTSS Schedules
Making Time for Intervention and Enrichment: Finding time for targeted support in high school schedules can be challenging. Some schools creatively rework bell schedules, adding 30-minute What I Need (WIN) blocks or split lunch-and-learn periods to ensure all students receive timely instruction and support.
📣🔗Resource: Explore real high school examples and a variety of sample schedules in Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools: Strategies from Research and the Field, Appendix F, pp. 39-47. (High school focus but strategies may inform K–12 schedules.)
Durrance, S. (2025). Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools: Strategies from Research and the Field. Greensboro, NC: SERVE at UNC Greensboro.
✅Action Step: Review the sample schedules in the resource and explore ways to address scheduling needs. If time is already built into the schedule, evaluate if it is structured and protected in a way that maximizes targeted support for students.
🚧Implementation Challenge: Tier 2 Intervention
Aligning Tier 2 Interventions within Tier 1 Instruction: Tier 2 supports are most effective when clearly connected to Tier 1 instruction. Aligning interventions ensures targeted support accelerates learning rather than operates in isolation.
📣🔗Newly Released Resource (K–12): Explore Aligning Tier 2 Intervention with Tier 1 Instruction Using an HQIR for guidance on providing proactive, targeted support that builds on Tier 1 instruction.
✅Action Step: Use the Tier 2 Guidance document to determine which students could benefit from aligned Tier 2 supports.
Foundational Resources to Support Behavior Domain
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PBIS.org – Practice guides, tools and training modules
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MidwestPBIS2.org – Downloadable documents, PowerPoints and free online trainings
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PBIS World – Searchable platform for tiered interventions by behavior
⏪September’s KyMTSS Newsletter provided a comprehensive list of PBIS tools and supports. If you did not get a chance to explore or want to revisit the full list, please take a look and perhaps share with a colleague.
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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