MTSS Stands for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and is defined as a whole-school, data-driven, prevention-based, cultural, and diversity supportive framework for improving learning outcomes for EVERY student. This framework is:
Strength-based
Student-centered
Evidence-based
Tier 1 – Universal or primary
Majority of students (80-100%)
All students receive core instructions and basic interventions.
Tier 2 – Secondary
Small groups of students (5-15%)
Some students need additional support to meet academic and behavioral goals. These include small group interventions, skill-building, and conflict resolution.
Tier 3 – Tertiary
Individual students (< 5%)
These students need more individualized supports such as behavioral counselors or mental health therapy.
Special Education is a program designed to meet the unique educational needs of individuals with disabilities from birth to 22 years of age who meet the eligibility criteria under the law. It is defined as, "Special Education,” in accordance with Section 1401(29) of Title 20 of the United States Code, means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of individuals with exceptional needs, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and other settings, and instruction in physical education."
California Education Code: Article 2. Definitions [56031.(a)]
There are thirteen eligibility categories for special education.
1. Autism
2. Deaf-Blindness
3. Deafness
4. Emotional Disturbance
5. Hearing Impaired
6. Intellectual Disability
7. Multiple Disabilities
8. Orthopedic Impairment
9. Other Health Impairment
10. Specific Learning Disability
11. Speech or Language Disability
12. Traumatic Brain Injury
13. Visual Impairment, including Blindness