Unlocking Success: 5 Essential Truths About MTSS
A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is…
how systems (i.e., integrated processes and protocols) are structured to support high-impact adult actions through aligned practices to achieve student outcomes with purpose.
Truth 1: Systems Shape Outcomes
At its core, we all understand the cause-and-effect principle: what we do leads to certain outcomes. It's like knowing that wearing summer clothes in winter means you'll feel chilly, or that jotting down thoughts in the morning can ground you for the day. But when we apply this to organizations, especially in education, things get more intricate. As an educational consultant, I often hear hesitation about implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Some see it as an optional extra, not a must-do. But I keep coming back to the simple truth by W. Edwards Deming: "Every system is perfectly designed to get the results that it does."
Think about it: your school system has been chugging along, producing outcomes – good, bad, or in-between. It's not about whether to "do MTSS" or not; it's about asking if your system is delivering the results you want. And if not, are you ready to tweak it? This is about looking inward, evaluating what's working, and being open to change for the better.
Truth 2: Supporting, Not Changing Students
When it comes to supporting students, it's not about trying to change who they are; it's about equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. One of the most important lessons I learned during my time as a special educator was the value of refining not only my own practices but also those of my colleagues, while simultaneously creating a learning environment that caters to each student's unique needs and insights.
This principle remains true within the context of MTSS as well. Our goal isn't to change the essence of students, but rather to empower them on their journey to success through targeted support. While acknowledging the various external factors beyond our control, we still can shape our educational systems and practices to accommodate the diverse needs of our students.
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Truth 3: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
As educators, we've all been there – stuck in meetings that seem to go on forever, with no clear structure and a growing list of tasks to tackle afterward. One crucial aspect often overlooked in the development of MTSS practices is the importance of effective teamwork. There's a common assumption that MTSS should be confined to a single department or program, which goes against the very essence of the framework, designed to dismantle siloed structures.
True transformation in education requires leaders who prioritize transparency and collaboration, fostering a culture where teamwork is paramount. By establishing teaming structures that emphasize collaboration, psychological and emotional safety, and reflective practice, leaders pave the way for success. Just like in sports teams, taking the time to align on the basics of how teams should operate lays the groundwork for smoother implementation and progress in the long run.
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Truth 4: Implementation is a Practice
When you visit your district's website, chances are you'll come across a long-term strategic plan spanning 5 to 10 years. This plan likely sets out ambitious student outcome goals that everyone is striving toward. Based on these objectives, districts and schools often develop yearly improvement plans, each targeting specific student outcome goals. To achieve these goals, new programs are often introduced, accompanied by professional development plans.
However, after a year or two, the anticipated growth may not materialize, leading to the abandonment of the program in search of a new solution. This approach isn't necessarily wrong, but it's incomplete. If we understand that practice encompasses any action that prompts educators to think, act, or approach their work differently, then we can acknowledge that the process described above requires refinement and practice.
Given turnover rates, evolving research, and the plethora of tools available, the implementation process requires ongoing fine-tuning and further practice. It's important to recognize that just because implementing new programs may come naturally to some, it doesn't mean it does to everyone. To break free from the cycle of adopting and discarding new programs, we must first focus on refining our approach to supporting practice. Only then can we accurately measure fidelity data and make informed decisions regarding program effectiveness.
Truth 5: MTSS Requires Adaptability
Reflecting on my family's history in a small rural town in Virginia, I've observed firsthand the dynamic nature of communities. From the bustling days of the town's furniture factory, which employed a significant portion of its residents including my grandfather, to the economic challenges it faced post-closure, the transformation highlights the ever-evolving nature of society.
Fast forward to today's post-COVID era, where communities worldwide are experiencing unprecedented shifts, exacerbated by rapid technological advancements. As educators, it's imperative to recognize that the systems designed to support previous generations may no longer suffice in meeting the multifaceted needs of today's communities.
MTSS provides a robust framework, supported by research, aimed at addressing the diverse needs of our communities. While maintaining the integrity of its essential components, we must also embrace adaptability in our approach. This means continuously evaluating and adjusting our practices to align with the evolving landscape. By remaining flexible and responsive, we can ensure that our educational systems effectively support the changing needs of our communities and educators alike.
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