Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier 1

This accessible volume helps school leadership teams accomplish the crucial yet often overlooked task of improving universal instruction (Tier 1) within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Strong universal instruction reduces the numbers of PreK–12 students who may need additional services and supports. Providing clear action steps and encouraging guidance, the expert authors present a roadmap for evaluating the effectiveness of Tier 1, identifying barriers to successful implementation, and making and sustaining instructional improvements.

In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book includes 27 reproducible checklists, worksheets, and forms. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction sample
2. Learning Targets
3. Universal Tier Assessments
4. Determining the Effectiveness of Universal Instruction
5. Identifying Barriers to Effective Universal Tier Implementation
6. Action Planning to Address Barriers to Universal Tier Instruction
7. Implementing Universal Tier Improvements
8. Evaluating Core Improvement Efforts
9. Continuing the Journey

"Providing a contemporary view of universal instruction, this book should be in the hands of all district, school, grade, and departmental teams. Each chapter engages readers in thoughtful reflection about core instructional features that improve student outcomes. Gibbons, Brown, and Niebling are experienced experts who explain the issues, decisions, and evaluation processes that school teams need to master for effective continuous improvement. The authors' approach is strengths based and systemic, and the book's tools and exemplars make this deep dive into universal instruction both inviting and accessible."
- Dawn Miller, PhD, SWIFT Education Center (Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation), University of Kansas

"Today's educators are expected to help every single student grow academically, and it all starts with core instruction. Yet many do not understand the importance of this essential element of teaching and learning. Finally, we have a forthright resource that clearly explains a process for improving universal instruction. A 'must read' for professional learning communities across the country—I can only imagine the power of instruction once school leaders and teachers collectively get hold of this book!"
- Julia Ann Espe, EdD, Superintendent, Princeton Public Schools, Minnesota

"A school cannot begin to support all of its students' needs without first addressing the effectiveness of universal instruction. This book walks school leadership teams through a process for doing just that. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter serve as helpful prompts for meaningful reflection and, more important, action. I can't wait to engage in a book study with my team using this as a guide!"
- Jamie Nord, EdS, Executive Director, St. Croix River Education District, Rush City, Minnesota

"At a time when schools have found themselves trying to intervene their way to improvement, this book gets to the heart of what principals all too often neglect—implementation fidelity of the core curriculum. Gibbons, Brown, and Niebling not only remind us of the importance of Tier 1 instruction, but also provide practical ways that school leadership teams can assess their school's current state of effectiveness, remove barriers to improving instruction, and, most important, evaluate their own efforts. This is a book that principals and other school leaders need to have and use."
- Katie Pekel, EdD, Principal in Residence, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota