In the dynamic landscape of education, it’s crucial to recognise that students have diverse learning needs. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) offer a transformative framework for providing differentiated support to students, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive. Both AERO’s review, “Supporting Students Significantly Behind in Literacy and Numeracy,” and Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE pedagogy, underscore the critical importance of MTSS in creating equitable and effective learning environments.
- MTSS and Tier 1 Instruction
AERO’s review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of multi-tiered frameworks. It highlights a crucial shift towards a greater emphasis on effective Tier 1 instruction within the general classroom. The goal? To proactively prevent learning gaps from emerging in the first place. This proactive approach is fundamental to the success of MTSS. The review also acknowledges the vital role that technical assistance centres play in supporting schools in the implementation of MTSS. These centres provide invaluable resources, including professional learning for educators and practical guidance on implementation. Drawing on the experiences in the United States, AERO’s review offers a valuable recommendation for Australia: to adopt a consistent and well-structured approach to MTSS implementation from the outset. By learning from both the successes and challenges faced in the US, Australia can optimise the effectiveness of MTSS, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to support all students. This includes investing in high-quality professional learning for teachers and establishing robust technical assistance through partnerships with universities and other expert organisations. The ultimate aim of MTSS is ambitious yet achievable: with consistent use of effective instruction and a collaborative, team-based problem-solving approach, schools can aim for 95% of students to meet academic benchmarks. This underscores the transformative potential of MTSS when implemented with fidelity and a strong commitment to student success. - MTSS and I-CRAVE
Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE pedagogy also aligns strongly with the principles of MTSS. Esther White explicitly references the importance of a response to intervention (RTI) framework, a key component of MTSS, and how it is integrated into the I-CRAVE methodology. I-CRAVE emphasises the need to carefully consider the diverse needs of learners, including their developmental stages, individual learning differences, and whether they are neurodiverse or neurotypical. This nuanced understanding of students informs the instructional practices within the I-CRAVE framework, ensuring that teaching is responsive and adaptive.
In essence, both AERO’s review and Maths Australia’s I-CRAVE pedagogy champion MTSS as a powerful framework for creating inclusive and effective learning environments. By providing differentiated support, monitoring student progress, and using data to inform instruction, MTSS empowers educators to meet the diverse needs of all learners and maximise their potential. Explore Our Training Programs