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MTSS Data-Based Decision

Making Process

Steps & Guiding Questions

�DE-MTSS Technical Assistance Center

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Team Based Six Step Problem Solving Process

Step 3: Solution Planning

Determine possible strategies that are feasible for your team to implement
Select effective interventions and develop a clear plan for implementation

Step 1: Problem Identification

Determine if a problem exists
Define the problem as precisely as possible

Step 2: Problem Clarification

Evaluate the problem in greater detail and determine why it occurs
Identify factors that may cause or maintain the problem

Step 6: Evaluation

Determine if the problem persists
Use the information gained from this cycle for future problem solving
Begin this process again and apply new information if the problem persists

Step 4: Goal Setting

Develop a clear goal with a measurable outcome
Determine a date for reaching the goal and a plan for assessing progress along the way

Step 5: Implementation

Provide training and resources to effectively implement the intervention
Monitor the fidelity of implementation

Adapted from McIntosh & Goodman, 2016

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Problem Definition/Identification

Determine if a problem exists.

Define the problem as precisely as possible with data.

Guiding Questions for Teams:

What specifically do we want students to know and be able to do when compared to what they currently know and are able to do?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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2. Problem Clarification

Analyze the problem to determine why the issue is occurring.

Generate a hypothesis (reasons why students are not meeting performance goals)

Gather information

Guiding Questions for Teams:

Why is/are the desired goal(s) not occurring?
What are the barriers to the student doing and knowing what is expected?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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3. Solution Planning

Determine possible strategies that are feasible for your team to implement.

Select effective interventions and develop a clear plan for implementation.

Guiding Questions for Teams:

What are possible strategies?
Are the strategies feasible and likely to be effective?
Who will implement specific components, by when, and how will you monitor its effectiveness over time?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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4. Goal Setting

Develop a clear goal with a measurable outcome.

Determine a date for reaching the goal and a plan for assessing progress along the way.

Guiding Questions for Teams:

What does success look like?
When do you expect to see the problem resolved?
How will you measure progress toward your goal?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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5. Intervention Implementation

Provide training and resources to effectively implement the intervention.

Monitor the fidelity of implementation.

Guiding Questions for Teams:

What is your plan to support staff to implement the solutions?
Do the solution implementers have necessary resources?
How will you measure the fidelity of staff implementation?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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6. Evaluation

Determine if the problem persists.

Use information gained from this cycle for future problem solving.

Begin this process again and apply new information if the problem persists.

Guiding Questions for Teams:

What is your plan to review progress toward your goal?
Is the plan having the desired impact?
Is the plan being implemented with fidelity?
Does the original problem still exist?
If the problem still exists, how will you modify your plan with information learned?

Note: Adapted from McIntosh and Goodman (2016).

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DE-MTSS Technical Assistance Center

The Delaware Multi-Tiered System of Support TA Center proudly serves as a technical assistance provider for the

Delaware Department of Education.

Our TA Center provides professional learning and coaching to support the academic and nonacademic development of all children.