MTSS That Belongs to Every Student
As districts build Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Special Education Directors are often expected to lead the work. But in reality, MTSS is too often framed as a special education initiative—something remedial, compliance-driven, or siloed within Student Services. This framing undermines the potential of MTSS as a proactive, inclusive, and systemwide structure.
MTSS should not live in one department. It should be co-led by general education and special education leaders, working together to design equitable Tier 1 supports, timely interventions, and responsive systems that meet the needs of all learners. When cross-departmental teams lead with shared data, shared decision-making, and a unified vision for access and equity, MTSS becomes a driver of transformation—not just a structure to support “struggling students.”
To begin this shift, start with clarity. The MTSS Discovery Phase Project Charter Template helps leadership teams align around purpose, scope, timeline, and roles before jumping into implementation. It’s a simple but powerful way to launch MTSS as a truly collaborative system-building effort.
