MTSS

Term from Secondary Education industry explained for recruiters

MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a framework used in schools to help all students succeed. Think of it like a pyramid of support: at the bottom is quality teaching for everyone, in the middle are extra help sessions for some students who need it, and at the top is intensive support for a few students who need the most help. It covers both academic learning and behavior support. Related terms you might see are RTI (Response to Intervention) or PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). This approach helps schools organize their resources and track student progress to make sure no student falls through the cracks.

Examples in Resumes

Implemented MTSS framework across grade levels to improve student outcomes

Led MTSS team meetings and coordinated intervention strategies

Developed data tracking systems to monitor MTSS progress

Used Multi-Tiered System of Supports to reduce achievement gaps

Typical job title: "MTSS Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

MTSS Specialist Student Support Coordinator Intervention Coordinator RTI Coordinator Student Services Coordinator Academic Support Specialist MTSS Coach

Where to Find MTSS Coordinators

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you lead a school-wide MTSS implementation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating implementation teams, professional development plans, data collection systems, and strategies for getting buy-in from staff and administration. Should emphasize importance of regular evaluation and adjustment of the program.

Q: How do you handle resistance from teachers when implementing MTSS?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills, mention strategies like providing clear data, offering practical support, addressing concerns proactively, and showing how MTSS can make teachers' jobs easier rather than harder.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you decide when to move a student between tiers in MTSS?

Expected Answer: Should explain data-based decision making, regular progress monitoring, and involving teachers and parents in the process. Should mention specific criteria and timeframes for evaluating interventions.

Q: What strategies do you use to track student progress in MTSS?

Expected Answer: Should discuss various assessment tools, data collection methods, progress monitoring schedules, and how to use data to make decisions about student support needs.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the three tiers of MTSS?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe Tier 1 (universal support for all students), Tier 2 (targeted support for some students), and Tier 3 (intensive support for few students) in simple terms.

Q: What's the difference between academic and behavioral supports in MTSS?

Expected Answer: Should explain how MTSS addresses both learning needs (like reading or math support) and behavioral needs (like social skills or classroom behavior), and how these supports can be provided at different tiers.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Understanding of basic MTSS framework
  • Data collection and simple progress monitoring
  • Supporting teachers with tier 1 interventions
  • Basic behavior management strategies

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Implementation of targeted interventions
  • Data analysis and decision making
  • Collaboration with support staff
  • Parent and teacher communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development and evaluation
  • Staff training and development
  • System-wide implementation
  • Integration with special education services

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with data collection or analysis
  • Lack of knowledge about different types of interventions
  • Poor communication skills
  • No understanding of special education regulations
  • Unable to explain the different tiers of support