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MTSS vs RTI: What’s the difference?

Mary DeanJuly 10, 2020

Students with their teacher seated on the floor with their laptop

You’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI). But is there a difference between the two? Both systems are known to have positive effects on students in the classroom. But, can RTI and MTSS be combined to help children learn better? This article will take a closer look at these two learning tools and how they work. 

What is RTI? 

RTI is designed to help students perform well academically by making sure each child has the support needed to succeed. It uses three specialized tiers. Visual models present each level of RTI as a pyramid, with Tier 1 resting at the base, Tier 2 in the middle, and Tier 3 at the top.

The RTI pyramid 

As the RTI pyramid suggests, Tier 1 is made up of the largest group of students, typically around 80 percent of a school’s student population. Children placed in this tier are on par with other students of their age academically, and can generally be expected to succeed in school with minimal support. The objective of RTI is to move students from Tiers 2 and 3 into Tier 1.

Tier 2 of RTI makes up about 15 percent of a school’s population and consists of students who score slightly lower than average on standardized testing. These students need some intervention to achieve academic success and benefit from small-group interventions that are aimed at giving them extra help. RTI instructors use targeted techniques to encourage higher grades in class. 

Tier 3 students at the top

Tier 3 rests at the top of the RTI pyramid and is made up of students who need intense individual instruction. About five percent of a school’s student body is usually placed in this level. Students in Tier 3 will receive one-on-one instructional support.

Regardless of which tier students are placed in, the entire class will continue to receive traditional instruction. This is because the RTI model is centered around all students participating in universal education strategies. By continuing this type of instruction for all tiers, a school can make it easier for students to transition to a different level of the RTI pyramid when the time comes to do so.

RTI initiatives

The tiered system of RTI provides the structure that educators need in order to support students of varying abilities. In addition to providing structured support to each student that corresponds to their tier, RTI has some other unique initiatives that differ from those of MTSS.

Universal screening

RTI uses universal screening methods to place students in the level of support they need. Most of the time, these are standardized tests, but they can also include observations and assessments completed by teachers. 

Progress monitoring

To ensure that all students receive the proper positive behavior support for their tier and are able to move up or down a tier as needed, RTI requires instructors to regularly monitor their students’ progress. 

Data-backed decision-making

All decision-making with regard to the RTI system is based on data. This is true for the interventions put in place, how children are assessed and how they move between levels of the pyramid. Read how one school uses data to increase student engagement, enrollment, and program funding.

RTI target audience

The Response to Intervention model targets a specific set of students who are at risk for failing in school or requiring special education. Schools use resources and support to minimize the risk of these students falling behind using data-driven strategies designed to help them perform better, both in class and on standardized state testing.

When it comes to Tier 2 and 3 students, both general education teachers and special education staff work together to come up with the best support system for each individual student. These teachers are given resources to help them identify the best approaches for their students.

One-on-one support 

The RTI model addresses student-level problems directly in relation to their academic standing. Solutions to these problems focus on academics rather than the community, home, or global factors. These solutions gradually increase the level of one-on-one support students receive the higher they are placed on the RTI pyramid.

Overall, the goal of RTI is to provide support to students who struggle to get good grades in school and districts. Several research-based interventions are used to help students succeed in a traditional school environment.

How MTSS works 

Multi-tiered systems of support share many of the same philosophies as RTI but are much more comprehensive. MTSS does place some emphasis on the students’ academic success, but the program also recognizes the importance of:

  • Professional development among teachers
  • Community involvement
  • Parental action

MTSS often uses some of the components of RTI. 

The MTSS umbrella

While RTI is a specific system set up to benefit struggling students, MTSS is a collection of several different initiatives meant to build a well-rounded student body. 

Response to Intervention is an essential part of the MTSS approach. Since this high-quality model does focus on some academic initiatives, RTI offers a structured, proven way to improve students’ grades no matter where they stand academically. Since RTI has proven to be successful in elevating students from all levels and walks of life, it makes sense that MTSS would utilize the system to support academics.

MTSS and PBIS

Another important aspect under the MTSS umbrella is positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). PBIS is a behavioral management approach that rewards positive behaviors rather than punish misbehavior. In this tiered approach model, administrators create incentives for students who exemplify model behaviors and withhold these incentives from students who act up. PBIS is an excellent example of a method that MTSS uses to encourage positive behavior at school.

MTSS in the community

School and community collaboration is another part of what makes MTSS so comprehensive and successful. The MTSS framework understands the importance of molding students into citizens who make a difference in their communities as adults. In order to foster positive community engagement, schools and communities often work together on community service projects that inspire kids to participate in their communities and show them that their actions can make a difference.

In addition to focusing on improving a student’s academic standing, MTSS also places a strong emphasis on preventing certain behaviors that could hinder children in the future. These behaviors might hold kids back on an academic, behavioral, social, or emotional level. All staff members are provided with resources to help them identify and address any of these issues in school.

MTSS initiatives 

MTSS seeks to create well-rounded students who have the tools they need to be functioning members of their communities. This is done through a variety of initiatives, some of which differ from those of the RTI system.

Learning and collaboration for teachers

Within the MTSS model, teachers are encouraged to come together to collaborate and learn about the system. This is especially helpful for schools new to the MTSS model since it ensures that all staff members are on the same page about how students are taught.

School staff and parent collaboration

Parents are an essential part of a child’s life. When schools and homes aren’t working together, in-school initiatives are often less successful. MTSS provides a system for school staff and parents to work together toward a common goal: improving students’ lives.

MTSS target audience

The MTSS system acknowledges that while students are a big part of the picture when it comes to academic success and other ventures, they are not the sole focus. Where RTI almost completely focuses on the student, MTSS broadens the horizon by focusing on a few different areas.

Professional development is one area. One of the best ways to ensure students succeed in school is to ensure their teachers have access to continuing education. 

When it comes to student-level initiatives, MTSS does not consider groups of students. Where RTI typically focuses on at-risk students, MTSS focuses on all students. This means everyone benefits from this method regardless of competency and academic performance.

The final word on RTI and MTSS

Overall, MTSS and RTI have many similarities. They both focus on student development and success, but the two are not the same. RTI is a targeted, well-researched approach to improving the academic success of at-risk students across all grade levels. MTSS, on the other hand, is a broad, comprehensive system put in place to support students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Photo credit : Google for Education

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