The National Center on Intensive Intervention defines Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as a prevention framework that organizes building-level resources to address each individual student’s academic and/or behavioral needs within intervention tiers that vary in intensity. MTSS allows for the early identification of learning and behavioral challenges and timely intervention for students who are at risk for poor learning outcomes. The increasingly intense tiers (i.e. Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3), sometimes referred to as levels of prevention (i.e. universal, targeted, and intensive), represent a continuum of supports.  

MTSS in South Saint Paul Public Schools consists of six distinct components: Comprehensive Assessment; Data-Based Problem Solving & Decision Making; Evidence Based Curriculum & Instruction (Universal); Evidence-Based Instructional Intervention (Targeted & Intensive); Infrastructure & Support Mechanisms; and Family, School, & Community Partnering.