Overview of the Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research (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

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

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Review the following informational handouts to gain a better understanding of the MTSS framework and three-tiered model.

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MTSS Overview

An overview of the MTSS framework and three-tiered model

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Processes Within the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework

Identifies the common components of MTSS and provides a more in-depth description of the three tiers of intervention

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TIER Training

TIER resources include content organized into 9 broad topics of MTSS, referred to as modules or collections. Within each of these modules, there are individual learning pathways, or specific trainings, 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.

Pathways Map

Introduction Module

The TIER Introduction module provides a foundation for all TIER pathways and helps ensure a consistent understanding of MTSS vocabulary and concepts.

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MTSS Introduction Module

The TIER Introduction module comprises six pathways or trainings. These pathways provide a foundation for implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework.

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TIER Introduction Module Quick Reference Guide

A brief description of the 6 pathways that comprise the Introduction module.

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Introduction Module Trainings

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Examples of MTSS Implementation

Explore real-world examples of MTSS implementation by problem-solving teams in Texas. Ideal for teachers, staff, administrators, and ESC personnel.

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Roles and Responsibilities Within a Problem-Solving Team

Master MTSS problem-solving teams: determine participants, define roles, plan meetings, implement practices, and establish consistent expectations.

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MTSS, Inclusion

Student-Centered Approaches

Discover student-centered approaches: explicit instruction, UDL, and ISF in MTSS. Define, describe, and explore their relation to student success.

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Supports for Special Education Referrals

Explore using MTSS data for special education referrals. Learn how data informs the referral process, student evaluation, and IEP development.

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Data-Based Individualization within MTSS

Gain expertise in DBI: Define, identify key features, explain purpose and benefits, and implement instructional change.

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Overview of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Learn to describe the MTSS framework, identify benefits, understand tiers and components, and consider special education implications

Leadership Module

The 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.

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MTSS Leadership Module

The TIER Leadership module comprises six pathways or trainings. These pathways aid leaders in implementing the elements and processes needed to plan instruction, problem solve, and consistently analyze data effectively within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework.

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TIER Leadership Module Quick Reference Guide

A brief description of the 7 pathways that comprise the Leadership module.

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Leadership Module Trainings

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Creating an Assessment Plan

Guidelines for MTSS assessment planning: research-based assessments, training, data management, and teacher support. Ideal for leaders and educators.

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Developing and Using an MTSS Problem-Solving Team

Develop leadership skills in forming problem-solving teams, conducting meetings, and establishing consistent expectations in MTSS implementation.

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MTSS: Relationship With Other Programs

Discover how MTSS integrates tutoring, special education, and parent communication. Reflect on and outline your own MTSS framework.

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Ongoing Professional Development and Support (MTSS)

Learn key elements of ongoing PD for MTSS implementation: annual plan, initial training, in-class support, and data use. Outline your own PD.

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Creating the Instructional Program

Learn guidelines for planning and implementing instructional programs in districts and campuses. Ideal for decision-makers and educators in K-12.

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Your MTSS Plan

Build an effective MTSS framework: plan, implement, and evaluate. Sample plans and considerations for school and district leaders.

Communities Module

The Communities Module guides educators in understanding how to build partnerships between schools and communities to support effective MTSS implementation.

Live Communities Module Training

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A Shared Vision of MTSS

This training equips educators with strategies to develop and communicate a shared vision for a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), fostering stakeholder collaboration and engagement.

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Behavior Module

The Behavior Module aids educators in implementing evidence-based practices for behavior within an MTSS framework.

Behavior, MTSS

Behavior Module

Aids educators in implementing evidence-based practices for behavior within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework.

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TIER Behavior Module Quick Reference Guide

A brief description of the 8 pathways that comprise the Behavior module.

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Behavior Module Trainings

Behavior, MTSS

Targeted PBIS Implementation

Expand and improve your intensive (Tier 2) interventions and supports.

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Behavior, MTSS

Intensive PBIS Implementation

Expand and improve your intensive (Tier 3) interventions and supports.

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Behavior, MTSS

Interconnected Systems Framework: Introduction

Define ISF; describe the current context, language, and key messages; and identify steps for getting started.

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Behavior, MTSS

Interconnected Systems Framework: Getting Started at the School Level

Explore how to implement ISF at the school level.

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Behavior, MTSS

Interconnected Systems Framework: Getting Started at the District/Community Level

Delve more deeply into how to implement ISF at the district/community level.

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MTSS, Behavior

Partnering With Families Within PBIS

This training emphasizes the essential role of families and caregivers in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), providing strategies to enhance communication and collaboration.

Behavior, MTSS

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Build your understanding of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

Mental Health Module

The 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.

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Mental Health Module

Aids educators in implementing evidence-based practices for mental health within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework.

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TIER Mental Health Module Quick Reference Guide

A brief description of the 4 pathways that comprise the Mental Health module.

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Mental Health Module Trainings

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Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Gain a better understanding of how a trauma-informed approach can improve the learning environment and improve outcomes.

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Social and Personal Competencies

Gain a better understanding of how teaching and developing social and personal competencies can improve the learning environment in schools.

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Supporting Student Mental Health Within MTSS

Establishes the need for student mental health supports and introduces key components for promoting mental health and well-being.

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Screening Module

The Screening Module guides educators in understanding the purpose and importance of screening as well as how to interpret and use screening data.

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Screening Module

Guides educators in understanding the purpose and importance of screening, as well as how to interpret and use screening data.

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TIER Screening Module Quick Reference Guide

A brief description of the 2 pathways that comprise the Screening module.

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Screening Module Trainings

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Importance of Universal Screening in Academics and Behavior

Learn how universal screening fits into the larger picture of assessment in a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Essential components of universal screening measures are discussed.

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Interpreting Data

Examine systems for collecting and managing screening data, learn how to analyze screening data, and identify connections between screening data and student-level interventions.

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Progress Monitoring Module

The 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 Module Trainings

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The Importance of Progress Monitoring

Understand how progress monitoring fits into the larger picture of assessment in a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).

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Decision Making

The focus of this course is how to use progress monitoring data to inform decision-making. This course is designed for teachers, staff, and administrators of K-12 schools, as well as ESC staff; however, all learners are welcome.

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TIER Progress Monitoring Tool

Free progress monitoring platform to house data for students receiving interventions. Intended for use with accompanying instructional video.

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MTSS, Instruction

Mathematics Progress Monitoring Measures

Mathematics Progress Monitoring System The TIER Computational Fluency Progress-Monitoring System measures students' computational fluency over time, from kindergarten through grade 6. It provides educators with valuable data to assess student growth in grade-level content standards and evaluate

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Decision Making Module

The Decision Making Module aids educators in using data to make decisions within an MTSS framework.

Decision Making Module Trainings

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Diagnostic Assessments in Mathematics

Explains the role of diagnostic assessments in mathematics, as related to the five strands of mathematical proficiency.

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Using Data to Problem Solve

Gain the knowledge and skills to apply data-driven problem solving within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), from goal setting to intervention design across Tiers 1-3, for improved student outcomes.

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Academics Module

The Academics Module outlines information and resources to support the use of evidence-based academic interventions.

Academics Module Trainings

MTSS, Instruction

Mathematics Progress Monitoring Measures

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Explicit Instruction

In this pathway (training) we will discuss the importance of explicit instruction and the components of the framework across various academic domains. The intended audience for this training includes: Teachers, staff, administrators of PK-12 schools, and ESC staff.

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Reading Instruction: Elementary

This training is designed to prepare educators to support effective implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in elementary reading instruction. Participants will deepen their understanding of the core components of the MTSS framework and explore how high-quality instruction across

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Writing Instruction: Elementary

Explore effective writing practices within MTSS, focusing on instruction, development, and progress monitoring at Tiers 1, 2, and 3.

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Math Instruction: Elementary

This training is designed to equip educators with the foundational knowledge and tools needed to build capacity for effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation in elementary mathematics. Participants will explore the key components of a MTSS framework and learn how to apply high

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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 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.