Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) systematically identifies and intervenes with students who are struggling with literacy. MTSS is premised on universal, repeated, reliable screening. It involves systematic, evidence-based interventions to improve literacy, in a cascading tier of interventions. Tier 1 is evidence-based literacy instruction in the main classes, especially in English classes. Tier 2 is small-group interventions. Tier 3 is intensive, individualized support with specialized resource teachers. MTSS involves a system of monitoring students’ response to interventions and progress according to grade-level expectations. We are currently failing many middle school students with ad hoc literacy interventions. Literacy is an equity issue: improving literacy rates through MTSS is a concrete way to ensure the success of all students.
Learn more about how MTSS might work in middle-school settings below.
References
Ciullo, S., Lembke, E. S., Carlisle, A., Thomas, C. N., Goodwin, M., and Judd, L. (2016). Implementation of evidence-based literacy practices in middle school response to intervention: An observation study. Learning Disability Quarterly 39(1): 44-57.
Durrance, S. (2023). Implementing MTSS in secondary schools: Challenges and strategies. SERVE Center. https://region6cc.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ImplementingMTSSinSecondarySchools_2022_RC6_003.pdf
Good, R. H. III, Kaminski, R. A., Dewey, E. N., Wallin, J., Powell-Smith, K. A., and Latimer, R. (2013). Acadience Reading K-6 Technical Manual. https://acadiencelearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Acadience_Reading_K-6_Technical_Manual.pdf
Napolitan, L. (2022, August 30). MTSS in middle school: Strategies for success. Branching Minds. https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-middle-school-success#:~:text=MTSS%20supports%20middle%20schoolers%20by,and%20lack%20of%20consistent%20interventions.
Peak, C. (2023). Benchmark Assessment System reading test is widely used and often wrong. Sold a Story. APM Reports. https://www.apmreports.org/story/2023/12/11/benchmark-assessment-system-reading-test-often-wrong
Raymond, Baerg, M. (2025). An overview of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS): What, why, and how. Learning Teachers’ Association of BC Workshop.