Center for the Transformation of Schools

This policy brief distills key lessons on policy implementation, content, and rollout from the pilot phase of the Scaling Up MTSS Statewide Initiative that supported school-site implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This brief details how educators’ experiences with other tiered intervention programs fundamentally shaped how MTSS implementation unfolded at school sites. This was due in large part to the MTSS framework being too broad in scope to provide schools with clarity and guidance; too narrow in how student behaviors are assessed and addressed to facilitate innovation; and silent on issues of race and culture. Troublingly, the rollout of the pilot in terms of funding model, site selection processes, and support structures likely aggravated existing resource inequalities between schools. Recommendations for future MTSS-related initiatives build on these insights. Learn more on the CTS website.