MTSS Misunderstood

I recently consulted with an agency about School Coordinated Care Teams and the over identification of African-American children in Special Education, known as “Significant Disproportionality.” Utilizing ‘Expanded Equity Partnerships,’ school-based support services are managed and coordinated by School Coordinated Care Teams.

Leaders in this District insist that School Coordinated Care Teams are “MTSS Tier 1.” For example, District says “There’s no point is doing Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions if schools aren’t doing Tier 1 (PBIS School / Climate) with fidelity.” This misunderstanding is widely held, but only partially accurate. School climate is very important to be sure, but usually not the source of trauma, hardships, and stressors many students face.

Unfortunately, support services are currently stalled out for many under-served students. MTSS was not developed to deny support services to children, but sometimes, this is what plays out.

A rising tide does not lift all boats equally.

Fortunately, we have more opportunities to support kids. Let’s work together on systemic social justice issues, access to behavioral health services, and access to education, i.e. all three tiers concurrently.

I recommended books, Developing your School’s Student Support Teams, Street Data, excellent work of Zaretta Hammond, and publications by West Ed, Break Barriers, and others.