MTSS Updated Pyramid - Equity Through MTSS

“Equity in education demands each and every student in a community be invited, welcomed, and given a sense of belonging in a system of teaching and learning that is fluid, responsive, and dynamic, and that uses all available resources matched to each student’s need.”
— Amy McCart and Dawn Miller, Leading Equity-Based MTSS for All Students

MTSS processes fundamentally create a learning environment that is equitable for all students. This begins with Tier 1 (core instruction) and the strategies regularly utilized for all students. All students receive differentiated instruction at this tier appropriate for their grade level. Tier 1 instruction is differentiated in delivery to meet students’ needs, build on their strengths, and is scaffolded, as well as accelerated, to meet the needs of all learners. In addition, Tier 1 must include non-academic resources, such as social-emotional learning and positive behavior supports.

The robust curriculum in Tier 1 is designed to support students in reaching the next grade level and achieving career success. McCart and Miller refer to Tier 1 as the “Universal Tier,” meaning the content at this level is accessible by 100% of students, as differentiated core instruction is not created or delivered to meet the needs of only a fraction of students. Instead, MTSS practice ensures that all students are equitably included in Tier 1 instruction. Students who may need additional support in reaching grade-level expectations receive evidence-based support and interventions at Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels, in addition to core instruction received at Tier 1.