Call us at 800-221-4792
DONATE LOG IN
< Back

Unlocking Reading Success: MTSS as the Framework for Implementing the Science of Reading

Categories: resource Tagged , ,
March 17, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of education, the science of reading has rightfully taken center stage. Backed by a robust body of research, it provides a clear roadmap for how children learn to read and what instructional practices are most effective. But how do we translate this research into actionable strategies within our schools? The answer lies in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), a powerful framework for implementing the science of reading and ensuring success for all students.

This blog post highlights the key takeaways from a recent Learning Ally webinar featuring Dr. Stephanie Stollar, founder of the Reading Science Academy and assistant professor at Mount St. Joe University, and Dr. Terrie Noland, VP of Educator Initiatives at Learning Ally. Together, they explore how MTSS serves as the crucial bridge between research and practice, helping educators create systems that support effective reading instruction.

Understanding the Science of Reading

The science of reading is more than just a collection of isolated strategies; it’s a deep understanding of the cognitive processes involved in reading acquisition. While it encompasses the “big five” components—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension—it also emphasizes explicit and systematic instruction, early intervention, and ongoing assessment to monitor student progress. It’s about leveraging what research has proven to work best for all students.

The Promise of MTSS: More Than Just a Buzzword

MTSS is a comprehensive framework designed to provide targeted support to students based on their individual needs. It operates on the principle that all students can learn to read when provided with appropriate instruction and support. As highlighted in the webinar, MTSS integrates assessment and intervention within a multi-tiered system to maximize student achievement.

MTSS isn’t just another educational buzzword; it’s a systematic approach to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. It addresses the roadblocks and systemic issues that often hinder effective reading instruction. By aligning systems and resources, MTSS creates a cohesive and supportive environment for students.

Key Components of MTSS

The MTSS framework is built on several core components:

  • Schoolwide Assessment System: This involves using data to answer key questions about student learning, including screening, diagnostic assessment, progress monitoring, and outcome evaluation.
  • Tiered Systems of Support: Providing increasingly intensive instructional support to every student from the beginning of Kindergarten, without waiting for them to fail.
  • Professional Development and Coaching: Ensuring that all members of the school community are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement effective reading instruction.
  • Leadership Teaming and Collaborative Problem-Solving: Using a collaborative decision-making framework to address challenges and improve outcomes for students.

These components work together to create a comprehensive system of support that addresses the diverse needs of all learners.

The Three Tiers of Support

The MTSS model typically includes three tiers of support:

  • Tier 1: High-quality, evidence-based instruction for all students in the general education classroom. This is the foundation of MTSS, where the majority of students receive effective instruction.
  • Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support beyond Tier 1 instruction. These interventions are typically provided in small groups and focus on specific skills or areas of need.
  • Tier 3: Intensive interventions for students who require individualized support to address significant learning challenges. These interventions are often provided one-on-one or in very small groups.

The tiered model is not a rigid structure but rather a flexible framework that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each school and student population, as indicated in this video clip.

Assessment in MTSS: A Four-Part System

As discussed in the webinar, assessment is a critical component of MTSS, providing data to inform instructional decisions and monitor student progress. The assessment system includes four key purposes:

  • Screening: Universal screening assesses all students three times a year on key indicators of reading health. This helps identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties and allows for early intervention.
  • Diagnostic Assessment: Diagnostic assessment targets instruction to the specific skills that students need to learn next. It is in-depth and instructionally relevant, providing valuable information for tailoring instruction.
  • Progress Monitoring: Progress monitoring tracks student progress over time to determine whether interventions are effective and whether adjustments are needed. This data-driven approach ensures that students receive the right support at the right time.
  • Outcome Evaluation: Outcome evaluation assesses the overall effectiveness of the MTSS system in improving student outcomes. This helps schools identify areas for improvement and refine their practices.

By using a comprehensive assessment system, schools can make informed decisions about instruction and support, leading to improved outcomes for all students. Watch this video clip for more details.

Integrating MTSS and the Science of Reading

MTSS provides a structured framework for implementing the science of reading in schools. By integrating evidence-based practices within a multi-tiered system of support, schools can ensure that all students receive effective reading instruction.

Here are some ways to integrate MTSS and the science of reading:

  • Use screening data to inform Tier 1 instruction: Analyze screening data to identify areas where the core curriculum may need to be strengthened or supplemented.
  • Provide targeted interventions in Tiers 2 and 3: Use diagnostic assessment to identify specific skills deficits and provide targeted interventions based on the science of reading.
  • Monitor student progress regularly: Use progress monitoring data to track student growth and adjust interventions as needed.
  • Provide professional development for teachers: Ensure that all teachers are trained in the science of reading and have the skills to implement effective reading instruction.

By integrating MTSS and the science of reading, schools can create a powerful system of support that helps all students become successful readers.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing MTSS and the science of reading can be challenging, but it is essential to address these challenges to improve student outcomes. Some common challenges include:

  • Lack of resources: Schools may lack the resources needed to implement MTSS effectively, including funding, personnel, and materials.
  • Resistance to change: Some educators may be resistant to adopting new practices or may not fully understand the science of reading.
  • Systemic issues: Systemic issues, such as inadequate professional development or lack of leadership support, can hinder implementation.

To overcome these challenges, schools need to prioritize MTSS and the science of reading, allocate resources effectively, provide ongoing professional development, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

The Importance of Systems

As Dr. Noland emphasized during the webinar, echoing Adam Grant’s sentiment, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” If the systems are not in place, it will be impossible to reach desired outcomes. Educators have a responsibility to build these systems to best serve the students in front of them.

Conclusion

MTSS is a powerful framework for implementing the science of reading in schools. By integrating assessment and intervention within a multi-tiered system of support, schools can ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to become successful readers.

It’s time to bridge the gap between research and practice and leverage the power of MTSS to transform reading instruction. Together, educators can create a system where all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential as readers.

FAQs About MTSS and the Science of Reading

What is the difference between MTSS and RTI (Response to Intervention)?

While RTI is a component of MTSS, MTSS is a broader framework that encompasses academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports. MTSS also emphasizes prevention and high-quality core instruction for all students, whereas RTI often focuses primarily on intervention for struggling learners.

How does universal screening fit into the MTSS framework?

Universal screening is a critical component of MTSS. It involves assessing all students to identify those who may be at risk for reading difficulties. This data is then used to inform instruction and intervention decisions.

What are some evidence-based practices that should be used in Tier 1 instruction?

Evidence-based practices for Tier 1 instruction include explicit and systematic phonics instruction, phonemic awareness activities, fluency practice, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies.

How can schools ensure that their MTSS implementation is aligned with the science of reading?

Schools can ensure alignment by providing professional development for teachers on the science of reading, using evidence-based instructional materials, and monitoring student progress regularly to make data-driven decisions.

What role does leadership play in successful MTSS implementation?

Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for MTSS implementation. This includes allocating resources, providing professional development, fostering collaboration, and monitoring the effectiveness of the MTSS system.