Practical Handbook of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: Building Academic and Behavioral Success in Schools

Accessible and comprehensive, this book shows how to build a schoolwide multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) from the ground up. The MTSS framework encompasses tiered systems such as response to intervention (RTI) and positive behavioural interventions and supports (PBIS), and is designed to help all K-12 students succeed. Every component of an MTSS is discussed:

• effective instruction
• the role of school teams
• implementation in action
• assessment
• problem solving
• data-based decision making.

Practitioner-friendly features include reflections from experienced implementers and an extended case study. Reproducible checklists and forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Overview of This Book

I. Prevention Science in Schools

2. Prevention as a Public Education Value
3. The Importance of Details
4. Risk Factors and Student Success
5. What to Teach in the Era of the Common Core State Standards

II. The Importance of Collaboration and Teams

6. The Essential Role of Teams in Supporting All Students
7. The Logistics of Setting Up and Running Effective School Teams
8. Effective Team Processing: Using Data and a Problem-Solving Approach

III. Making Change Happen

9. The Science of Change
10. Exploration, Adoption, and Installation
11. Implementation
12. Innovation and Sustainability
13. Schedules

IV. Effective Instruction within an MTSS

14. What Is Effective Instruction?
15. The Instructional Hierarchy
16. Effective Instruction for Students Who Are ELLs
17. Treatment Integrity
18. Critical Mass: Why 80% Student Success Matters

V. MTSS Organizational Structure

19. Universal Screening
20. Problem Solving
21. Progress Monitoring
22. Understanding Student Data

VI. Connecting an MTSS with Other Supports

23. What Is Tier 3?
24. Education for All
25. Recognition and Support for Disabilities: Section 504 Plans and Special Education
26. Case Example: Building Tiered Supports

Glossary of Important MTSS Terms

References

Index

"Professional learning communities would easily be able to read and use this book to improve existing team meetings and 'data days.' Practical examples and multiple case studies make this the perfect guide for school teams implementing an MTSS model. Brown-Chidsey and Bickford have identified critical components that schools need to take their student support to the next level. The book does an excellent job of describing the intersections between MTSS and other programming."
- Sarah Brown, PhD, Chief, Bureau of Learner Strategies and Supports, Iowa Department of Education

"Brown-Chidsey and Bickford intertwine recent developments in prevention science, PBIS, and RTI. Their practical approach targets teachers and administrators working to implement MTSS. Both academic and behavior support approaches are covered, and emphasis is given to establishing teams that collect and use data for problem solving. I recommend this accessible resource for educators working to make schools more effective learning environments."
- Robert H. Horner, PhD, Department of Special Education, University of Oregon

" "What I really like about Brown-Chidsey and Bickford s outstanding book is that it provides the 'why' as well as the 'how-to' of implementing MTSS. After offering a compelling argument for why these systems are essential to successful schools, it comprehensively explains the nuts and bolts of implementation. Particularly useful and unique is the extensive coverage of standards-aligned and differentiated instruction at Tier 1, and the nuances of intervening in Tiers 2 and 3 and special education."
- Joseph F. Kovaleski, DEd, NCSP, Director, Doctoral Program in School Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

"This book presents a systems-level approach that will help schools meet the needs of each learner. It is a great resource for district and school leadership teams who need to move beyond the technical skills of RTI to create an MTSS that is woven into the fabric of a school."
- Jennifer Knutson, PhD, Executive Director, Professional Learning, Anchorage School District, Alaska"