Multi-Tiered Systems of Support & Advanced Learning Supports

Heather Francis, Ed.M.

Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

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Molly Singh, Ed.M.

District Instructional Lead Teacher, Advanced Learning JK-12

Agenda

• Welcome & Introductions
• MTSS & Our District Initiatives
• Advanced Learning
• Closing & Next Steps

MTSS & Our District Initiatives

“Empowering Student Excellence”

CPS Strategic Initiatives

OBJECTIVE 1:

Deliver Ambitious Instruction & Effective Supports

OBJECTIVE 2:

Provide Accessible College & Career Pathways

OBJECTIVE 3:

Implement Effective Staff Learning & Support

OBJECTIVE 4:

Build Welcoming & Supportive Schools & District

1. Define a districtwide

instructional framework

that guides consistent, high-quality instruction in every classroom.

4. Collaborate to implement city-wide plan for universal

preschool to promote equitable access as a foundation

for student success.

7. Strengthen and expand

educator and leader career pathway programs, prioritizing hard-to-staff roles and diversification of staff.

10. Improve families access to resources within and

beyond CPS.

2. Align instructional practices and resources to instructional framework

across content areas and grade bands.

5. Implement a system of individualized student success planning and

supports that prepare students for effective transitions and

post-graduation success.

8. Establish a comprehensive, role-based professional

learning strategy and system that improves practices in alignment with district vision.

11. Promote positive school cultures and climate through

district-wide vision of inclusive and restorative discipline policies and practices.

3. Establish robust

multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)

to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

6. Embed college & career exploration and

experiences across the JK-12 continuum.

9. Improve evaluation systems

for all staff to support professional growth as part of a culture of continuous improvement.

12. Develop a multi-year facilities improvement

plan based on pending building study.

6

Foundation of the Teaching & Learning Framework is MTSS

Systemic approach for differentiation

Academic achievement for all students

Access to High Quality Tier 1 instruction

Social Emotional Learning as part of Tier 1 instruction

Maximizing instructional time

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

From the MA MTSS Blueprint

What are multi-tiered systems of support in Cambridge?

(MTSS) is a collaborative, evidence-based, [systemic] approach to differentiating and personalizing instruction and intervention—across academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior for all students—so that every student can achieve academic and life success. MTSS is an equity-based, [data-driven] approach to education in which all students are provided the opportunity to succeed.

This includes access to core instruction that is

“

differentiated to their individual needs._”

Adapted from Branching Minds, p. 3

Tiered instruction in CPS

Tier 3

Intensive Supports

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Tier 2

Targeted Interventions

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Tier 1

Universal Supports

How do we know who needs tiered instruction?

Universal screening data reviewed by school teams

Identify students who need targeted intervention

Identify students who need intensive support

1

2

3

Universal Design for Learning

Advanced Learning

How MTSS Supports Advanced Learning

Students require adequate access to appropriate learning opportunities to discover their potential.

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Students can have learning and processing disorders that need specialized intervention and accommodation.

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Students need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally

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Students require various services/supports based on their shifting needs.

MTSS provides students with enrichment learning opportunities.

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MTSS supports students’ variety of needs through targeted interventions & resources.

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MTSS supports the whole child.

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MTSS utilizes data to help identify & support students as their needs shift.

Tiered instruction in CPS

Tier 3

Intensive Supports

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Tier 2

Targeted Interventions

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Tier 1

Universal Supports

Tier 1 Advanced Learning Universal Supports

Tier 2 Advanced Learning Targeted Interventions

Tier 3 Advanced Learning Intensive Supports

Students Mid or Above Grade Level based on CPS Fall 2023 screener data

% Students Mid or Above Grade Level

Excellence Gap at CPS

% Students Mid or Above Grade Level (Grades 3-8)

Next Steps: MTSS &

Advanced Learning Supports

• CPS has applied for the Continuum of Services Professional Learning Program offered by MA DESE & Northwestern University
• The MTSS Design Team is finalizing the district MTSS Guidebook, which will include guidance for Advanced Learning
• All educators will participate in Universal Design for Learning professional learning to support Tier I instruction for all learners
• The ELA department will continue to use a tiered approach to address advanced learning needs
• Coaches meetings, Upper School Department meetings and Interventionist meetings for the Math Department are facilitated by District Instructional Leads for Math & Advanced Learning

Thank you!