Overview of the Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Interventions (TIER) Initiative
This article presents an overview of Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research (TIER); an initiative funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide guidance and information about the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.
What is TIER?
TIER was created to increase local education agency (LEA) and education service center (ESC) capacity to develop and implement an effective, integrated, comprehensive MTSS framework for intervention that is grounded in differentiated instruction and aligns with the systems that are fundamental for all students’ academic, behavioral, mental health and wellness. This article provides information about TIER training and resources for districts to develop and implement an MTSS framework.
What is the goal of TIER?
TIER equips educators and stakeholders with knowledge and materials to implement MTSS effectively in every Texas school. The goal is to ensure all students receive the support they need through data-informed, tiered interventions.
MTSS Framework and Core Concepts
MTSS is a framework designed to support the whole child by integrating academic, behavioral, and mental health services. It emphasizes equitable access to interventions based on student needs.
Three-Tiered Model
The model includes Tier 1 universal supports, Tier 2 targeted interventions, and Tier 3 individualized, intensive supports. MTSS supports prevention for all students and intervention for students experiencing academic and non-academic difficulties.
Multi-Tiered Systems
An integrated MTSS approach encompasses various other systems, such as response to intervention (RTI), positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) for supporting school mental health (SMH), and other supports for early intervention and prevention. When MTSS is implemented effectively, it can provide students with the supports needed to progress towards academic and non-academic goals.
Call to Action for the Texas Educator
- Review the informational handouts to gain a better understanding of the MTSS framework and three-tiered model.
- Subscribe to receive email updates and stay connected. Follow MTSS as a topic of interest on TSS for training opportunities and to see when new resources are added.
TIER Training Content
TIER resources include content organized into 10 broad topics of MTSS, referred to as modules or collections. Within each of these modules, there are individual learning pathways, or specific training courses that have been or are being developed to provide more in-depth information. Content is regularly updated, and some pathway topics may not yet be available for training.
Training Module Descriptions
Each link to the modules (or collections) below provides more information. Modules without links may still be under review.
- Introduction Module – provides a foundation for all TIER pathways and helps ensure a consistent understanding of MTSS vocabulary and concepts.
- Leadership Module – aids district and campus leaders in implementing the elements and processes needed to plan instruction, problem solve and consistently analyze data effectively within an MTSS framework.
- Communities Module – guides educators in understanding how to build partnerships between schools and communities to support effective MTSS implementation.
- Behavior Module – aids educators in implementing evidence-based practices for behavior within an MTSS framework.
- Mental Health Module – aids educators in implementing evidence-based practices for mental health within an MTSS framework and includes the Trauma-Sensitive Schools pathway which may be used to satisfy the statutory training requirement of Texas Education Code §38.036.
- Screening Module – guides educators in understanding the purpose and importance of screening as well as how to interpret and use screening data.
- Progress Monitoring Module – guides educators in understanding the purpose and importance of progress monitoring as well as how to interpret and use progress-monitoring data.
- Progress Monitoring Tool – Free tool to house, track, and graph academic and nonacademic progress monitoring data
- Decision Making Module – aids educators in using data to make decisions within an MTSS framework.
- Academics Module – outlines information and resources to support the use of evidence-based academic interventions.
- Mathematics Progress Monitoring Measures – K-6 progress-monitoring system to measure students’ computational fluency over time
How Do Educators Access TIER Training?
There are three ways to participate in TIER training:
- Attend a face-to-face training delivered by a certified TIER trainer within your ESC or district
- Enroll in an on-demand, self-paced online course (select trainings available on TEALearn)
- Become a TIER certified trainer by completing certification requirements during a training of trainers event session (open to Texas district or ESC staff responsible for MTSS training or implementation support in their district/region)
Find a TIER certified trainer in your region for face-to-face trainings
There are certified TIER Trainers at every regional Education Service Center who offer training and support to educators in their region. Review the Statewide Contact Information to find a certified trainer in your region.
Enroll in TIER Canvas Courses
Select TIER Canvas courses are available through the TEA Learn online platform. The content of TIER Canvas courses mirrors the content of face-to-face pathways while providing additional interactivity and engagement. Continuing professional education (CPE) hours can be earned by course completion. Courses are:
- Free
- Self-paced
- Completed in any order
Become a Certified Trainer in your Region or District/ Charter
Are you responsible for providing professional learning related to MTSS in your district or region? Become a TIER Certified Trainer.
Educators can become certified TIER trainers by completing training-of-trainer sessions passing content assessments, and submitting artifacts (i.e., evidence of learning in response to specific questions or prompts). Once certified, trainers receive access to all training materials and resources needed to facilitate training, opportunities to participate with other TIER trainers through a Community of Practice, and technical assistance support from the TIER team.
