Multi-Tiered System of Support | Riverside County Office of Education

Through close collaboration between our divisions of Educational Services and Leadership, Wellness, and Student Services, RCOE provides integrated support to schools and districts as they implement the California Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

RCOE Leads MTSS: Leadership, Evidence, Agency, Data, and Service

At the Riverside County Office of Education, MTSS is a comprehensive, whole-child framework designed to continuously support the success of EVERY student.

RCOE builds MTSS leadership capacity through targeted learning, equipping leaders to guide implementation and strengthen networks across community and system partners.

RCOE strengthens coherent systems, collaborative practices, and district capacity to implement and evaluate evidence-based practices through data-informed reflection, clear expectations, and sustained student outcomes.

RCOE empowers LEAs and educators with sustainable, role-specific resources and coaching that build internal expertise, strengthen system capacity, and support ownership of MTSS implementation.

RCOE promotes data literacy and access to accurate, actionable information, using multiple measures to inform decision-making and strengthen prevention and intervention systems.

RCOE fosters trust through transparency, shared decision-making, and authentic partnerships while ensuring aligned MTSS systems are supported by ongoing coaching and technical assistance.

As part of this work, the following resources are provided to equip educators, school leaders, and educational partners with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to implement and sustain effective MTSS practices. Visitors are encouraged to reach out to our team members listed throughout this resource for additional support.

California's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework that aligns academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning in a fully integrated system of support for the benefit of all.

The MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) enables schools and districts to proactively identify and address student needs in academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and a more supportive learning environment for all. The framework focuses on organizing and deploying resources based on data to best create a system that works for all students.

MTSS ensures every student gets what they need to succeed by offering structured systems of support throughout the school system:

Universal – High-quality instruction and universal supports for all students.
Supplemental – Targeted small-group interventions.
Intensified – Individualized support.

This helps maximize resources and tailor support based on students' needs.

By aligning with the evidence-based domains of MTSS — leadership, whole child instruction, integrated supports, family and community engagement, policy, and continuous improvement — this page will support schools in creating equitable, inclusive, and high-quality systems of support to improve outcomes for all students.

Whole Child Domain

Inclusive Academic Instruction Features

Inclusive Behavior Instruction Features

Inclusive Transformative Social-Emotional Instruction and Mental Health Support Features

Essential Domains and Features to Support Whole Child

Administrative Leadership Domain

Integrated Supports Domain

Family and Community Engagement Domain

Inclusive Policy Structure and Practice Domain

Assessing Your System

The SWIFT Fidelity Integrity Assessment (FIA) is a critical tool for evaluating the implementation of an MTSS within a school. By assessing key components, such as leadership, inclusive education, and tiered interventions, the SWIFT FIA provides valuable data on how well MTSS is being executed and identifies areas for improvement. Learn more below and complete our request form for support in FIA facilitation.

SWIFT Fidelity Integrity Assessment (FIA) Process

The SWIFT FIA process ensures that schools are delivering equitable, evidence-based supports that meet the needs of all students, particularly those at risk for academic or behavioral challenges. The information gathered can be used to guide professional development, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize actions to strengthen MTSS implementation.

By continuously monitoring progress and using the data to make informed decisions, schools can foster a collaborative culture, improve student outcomes, and build sustainable systems of support.

It is recommended your MTSS leadership team complete this survey two to three times a year and use it to select one or two priority areas to refine.

School-Level Assessments

SWIFT Fidelity Integrity Assessment (FIA) v.3: Self-assessment aligned to the CA MTSS Framework

FIA Score Tracking Tool: Used to record the stages of implementation and data visualization

FIA Overview video: Discover the process to support facilitation

SWIFT Fidelity Integrity Assessment Administration Checklist

FIA Facilitation Tips and Trick

Note: Schools should take the FIA 1-2 times a year to identify priorities. The results help pinpoint strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps for system-wide progress. Analyzing the data allows schools to set specific, actionable goals aligned with MTSS components.

What is California MTSS?