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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

​​​​​As districts and schools refine how they support all students to be academically and socially successful under the new LCAP and federal accountability measures, the San Diego County Office of Education offers guidance through the state's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. 

2018 Professional Learning Coming Soon!

Our new half-day workshops help bring the tools of MTSS into focus for school and district leaders. Learn more about this framework that addresses the needs of all students, aligns the system of initiatives and supports, and implements continuous improvement processes at all levels.  Click the date below to view our past workshops (8 a.m. to noon). 

MTSS 101

Leadership teams begin in the MTSS 101 course and advance to the MTSS 201 workshop. 

MTSS 201

In addition to an in-depth look at California MTSS, there will be ongoing support for requests for application for the Scale-Up MTSS Statewide (SUMS) Initiative grant. 

At the workshops, leadership teams will get to the heart of transformation:

  • Dive into the new California MTSS Framework.
  • Re-envision how to support all students to be academically and socially successful.
  • Explore the difference between MTSS and Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2).
  • Align your system of initiatives, supports, and resources.
  • Implement continuous improvement at all system levels. 


About MTSS

The MTSS framework is a basis for understanding how California educators can work together to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students to achieve the California Standards. MTSS includes Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtI2) and other philosophies and concepts.​

MTSS is an integrated, comprehensive framework that focuses on state standards, core instruction, differentiated learning, student-centered learning, individualized student needs, and the alignment of systems necessary for all students' academic, behavioral, and social success. There are also RtI2 processes such as, supports for Special Education, Title I, Title III, support services for students who are English learners, students who are American-Indian, and those in gifted and talented programs. ​

Learn more​ about the County Office's MTSS and RtI2 supports for districts to create needed systematic change through intentional services that quickly identify and match the needs of all students.

RtI2 Background and Core Components

California developed the RtI2 Core Compon​ents in 2008. RtI2 includes an academ​ic system and a behavioral sys​​tem that is organized in three identified levels or tiers. Both systems include levels: Tier 1-Benchmark, Tier 2 -Strategic, and Tier 3 - Intensive. Each level is differentiated according to intensity with Tier 1 representing core instruction for all students and Tier 3 representing the most intensive instruction for a small, targeted​ group of students. Students not making gains with systematic and monitored Tier 3 academic and/or behavioral interventions may be referred for special education services.

RtI2 Implementation

Building an effective RtI2 system of support at the district or school site level requires critical knowledge and planning around professional development, allocating resources, and developing the culture and structure of schools.