Building on the principles of RTI, Spectrum Academy incorporates a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to address the diverse academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of our students.
MTSS is a proactive, data-driven approach that ensures every student receives the level of support they need to thrive. This system is particularly beneficial for students with autism and other neurodiversities as it integrates academic instruction with behavioral and social-emotional interventions.
Why does MTSS Matter for Neurodiverse Learners?
MTSS provides a structured yet flexible framework that allows us to address the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse learners while promoting their strengths.
- MTSS ensures early identification of learning or behavioral challenges through universal screening.
- It creates opportunities for targeted support that aligns with their specific needs across academic, social-emotional, and behavioral domains.
- The framework supports collaboration between educators and families to create consistent strategies at school and home.
At Spectrum Academy, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we are dedicated to helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally!
Three Tiers of Support in MTSS
- Tier 1 - Universal Instruction: High-quality classroom instruction designed for all students, including differentiated strategies to meet the needs of neurodiverse learners. Approximately 80-90% of students benefit from Tier 1 supports.
- Tier 2 - Targeted Group Interventions: Small group interventions for students identified as needing additional support in specific areas based on assessments. These interventions complement Tier 1 instruction and serve about 5-15% of students.
- Tier 3 - Intensive Individualized Interventions: For students requiring the most support, highly individualized plans are developed based on data-driven insights. This tier serves approximately 1-5% of the student population and often aligns with IEP goals for students with autism or other disabilities.
Student Progress Monitoring:
We use progress monitoring tools to track academic development over time and evaluate the effectiveness of our instructional strategies.
For students with autism or other neurodiversities, this process is critical in tailoring individualized programs that address both academic and behavioral needs. In Tier 3 interventions, educators compare a student’s expected and actual learning rates to refine instructional components as necessary.
Key Features of MTSS at Spectrum Academy:
- Universal Screening: All students are screened early in the school year to identify those who may need additional support in academics or behavior.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Student progress is monitored frequently to ensure interventions are effective and adjusted as needed.
- Collaborative Team Approach: Teachers, counselors, psychologists, and specialists work together to assess student needs and implement tailored interventions.
- Family Involvement: Parents are engaged as active partners in understanding interventions and supporting their child’s progress at home.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Strategies used at every tier are research-backed and proven effective for neurodiverse learners.
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Special education accommodations are adjustments made to the learning environment or the way information is presented or responded to, which help a student with a disability access the general education curriculum and demonstrate what they know, without changing what they are expected to learn.
