An Introduction to VCS
Multi-Tiered System of Supports
Multi-Tiered SYSTEM of SUPPORTS
 SYSTEM (singular)
 SUPPORTS (plural)
Move from a System of Schools (and Departments) to a
SCHOOL SYSTEM
RtI or MTSS?
 RtI is the practice of 1) providing high-quality
instruction/intervention matched to student needs and
2)using learning rate over time and level of performance to
3) make important education decisions. (NASDSE, 2006)
 MTSS is a coherent continuum of evidence based, system-
wide practices to support a rapid response to academic and
behavioral needs, with frequent data-based monitoring for
instructional decision-making to empower each student to
achieve high standards.
Underlying Principles and Practices
Evidencebased
practices
Data-based
Decision
Making
Groups are
Fluid
Problem
Solving
Integration &
sustainability
Instruction
and classroom
management
Multi-Tier
Model
MTSS
Intervening
Early
Principles and
Practices
Differentiated
learning
experiences
Core Beliefs of MTSS
 Every child learns and achieves to high standards
 Learning includes academic and social (behavioral)
competencies
 Every member of the learning community continues to
grow, learn and reflect
 Every leader at all levels are responsible for every child
 Change is intentional, coherent and dynamic
How Does MTSS Relate to VPM?
The main goal of MTSS is for schools to use their resources in ways that
enables every child to be successful. This is accomplished by:
 Being prevention oriented: knowing who needs support as early as
possible each year and putting those supports in place
 Implementing evidence-based interventions for all students and
tailoring interventions based on student’s needs
 Knowing what the academic and behavioral supports are throughout
the system
 Using progress monitoring data to know when to make a change in
instruction
 Ensuring that PD supports what our data indicate
 This IS about Proficiency for ALL students
What are our barriers to MTSS?
 Reluctant Intervention Providers (R.I.P.)
Solutions: Statutory requirements
Rule 6A-6.0331: General Education Intervention Rule:
Evidence-based interventions addressing the identified area of
concern must be implemented in the general education environment.
The interventions selected for implementation should be developed
through a process that uses student performance data to, among
other things, identify and analyze the area of concern, select and
implement interventions, and monitor the effectiveness of the
interventions. Interventions shall be implemented as designed for a
reasonable period of time and with a level of intensity that matches
the student’s needs.
More solutions to R.I.P. & MTSS
Reauthorization of ESEA?
State Commitment
Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAP- 3h)
 Teacher differentiates instruction based on an assessment of student
learning needs and recognition of individual differences in students.
Volusia System for Evaluating Teachers (VSET- 1e)
 Designing Coherent Instruction:
Teacher coordinates knowledge of
content of students, and of resources, to design a series of learning
experiences aligned to instructional outcomes, differentiated where
appropriate to make them suitable to all students and likely to engage
them in significant learning. The lesson or unit’s structure is clear and
allows for different pathways according to student needs.
VSET supports MTSS…(and MTSS supports VSET)
 1d: Demonstrating knowledge of resources
 1e: Designing coherent instruction
 1f: Assessing student learning
 2d: Managing student behavior
 3d: Using assessment in instruction
 4d: Participating in a professional community
Where are we and where are we going?
Current Problem/Barriers
Solutions with MTSS DLT
Confusion about terminology
Developing common language
Separation of Academics/Behavior
Integration of Academics/Behavior
Separation of GenEd/ESE
Increased collaboration and
development of a continuum/fluid
process
No time for interventions…
Sharing of master schedules that
support intervention time
Don’t know what
intervention/intensity/PM tool to use
Developing menu of interventions
matched to problem intensity with
appropriate progress monitoring tools
Not sure how we’re going to get there
Submitted application to FDOE for
DAPPS consideration
What It’s All About…
Instruction
Curriculum
Assessment
Leadership &
Empowerment
Data-Based
Decision Making