WestEd News
Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports Evaluation: Key Findings
The Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) is designed to improve outcomes for all students by instituting system-level change across the classroom, school, district, and state.
Such systemic change is accomplished through development of a coherent continuum of evidence-based, systemwide practices to support a rapid response to each student’s academic and behavioral needs, and features frequent data-based monitoring for instructional decision making.
But is MTSS having a positive impact in meeting students’ academic and behavioral needs?
According to WestEd’s four-year evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of MTSS, the answer is yes.
“MTSS is substantially contributing to improved student outcomes at the local level as well as resulting in benefits to teachers, improved instruction, and school functioning,” says Natalie Lacireno-Paquet, who, with Kristin Reedy, directed the evaluation study.
The evaluation team addressed key research questions using a mixed-methods approach.
With the findings, the Kansas State Department of Education, which funded the evaluation, supported the development of an effective statewide structure for MTSS implementation.
Visit the Kansas Multi-Tier System of Supports Evaluation project page to learn more about the evaluation, key findings, and recommendations for next steps.
Posted on October 14, 2015