Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Tier 1 supports are the foundation for positive, proactive, and schoolwide practices that benefit all students, educators, and staff. These universal systems are robust and differentiated, enabling most students to succeed. They include clearly defining and teaching expectations, aligning classroom and schoolwide practices, encouraging and acknowledging positive behavior, responding to challenges in respectful and instructional ways, and fostering strong partnerships with families.

Tier 2 supports add a targeted layer of systems, data, and practices for the 10–15% of students whose needs are not fully met by Tier 1 alone. These supports focus on strengthening specific skills and often involve small groups of students with similar needs, allowing for efficient instruction, practice, and feedback. Tier 2 interventions are more focused than universal supports and less intensive than Tier 3, and may require some assessment to identify which skills to target. Practices include additional instruction and practice in skills, increased adult support and supervision, more frequent prompts and positive reinforcement, and stronger school-family communication. By strengthening targeted skills, Tier 2 supports help students fully access and benefit from the core program.

Tier 3 supports are designed for the small number of students (about 1–5%) whose needs are not met through Tier 1 and Tier 2 alone. These intensive, individualized supports are available to any student with significant needs. At this level, schools establish individualized support teams and develop personalized plans that are comprehensive and function-based. Tier 3 practices include conducting functional behavioral assessments, coordinating wraparound and person-centered planning, and engaging students, families, and educators in designing and implementing individualized supports that improve outcomes.

Each tier has its own set of systems and practices, but several key features span across all levels. These features must be present and consistently applied for MTSS to be implemented with fidelity and sustained over time.

• Leadership and Teaming: Collaborative teams use data to guide implementation and monitor progress and fidelity.
• Student, Family, and Community Engagement: Students, families, and community members are active partners in planning and support.
• Cultural and Contextual Responsiveness: Supports reflect the strengths, values, and lived experiences of students and communities.
• Professional Learning and Coaching: Staff receive ongoing training and support to implement practices effectively.
• Data-Driven Continuous Improvement: Multiple data sources are used to match supports, monitor progress, and improve systems.