Maximizing Student Success: How MTSS is Transforming Massachusetts Middle and High Schools

The most recent national data depicts the profound impact that COVID-19 pandemic continues to have on students' academic progress. Educational researchers recently highlighted that, despite efforts to address these challenges, many students are still grappling with the effects of disrupted learning. This includes our neighboring New England states of Vermont and Maine, which are almost a full year behind typical pre-Covid reading levels. The researchers go on to summarize that access to interventions including after-school tutoring and summer school are believed to have made the most profound impacts on students' academic recovery.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been at the forefront of implementing educational interventions at the secondary level, aiming to provide comprehensive support for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a comprehensive framework designed to ensure that all students receive the right support at the right time. The MTSS grant program empowers local communities to implement and scale this framework, particularly in middle and high schools. In communities across the state, this program is being successfully rolled out and some local communities are leading the way.

What is MTSS?

MTSS is a proactive, data-driven approach that provides a continuum of support for students. The goal is to address the varying needs of students through multiple layers or "tiers" of intervention. This system is designed to create a culture of continuous improvement and ensure that students not only receive academic help but also the emotional and behavioral support they need to succeed in school.

• Tier 1: Universal support for all students in the form of high-quality instruction and positive behavior supports.

• Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional help beyond the universal supports.

• Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students who require more specialized support.

The MTSS framework is grounded in the belief that students are best supported when their needs are met in a coordinated, inclusive, and systematic way, integrating academic, behavioral, and emotional support services.

The MTSS Grant Program: A Statewide Initiative

In an effort to strengthen the adoption of MTSS in Massachusetts schools, the DESE launched a competitive MTSS grant program aimed at funding districts that are committed to implementing and expanding the framework. The grant not only supports the development of MTSS infrastructure but also provides professional development for educators, creates tools for assessing student needs, and encourages data-driven decision-making.

These grants have been awarded to districts and schools that have demonstrated a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of their student populations. Many of these grantees have focused on improving outcomes for traditionally underserved student groups, such as students with disabilities, students of color, and English learners.

Local Communities Leading MTSS Implementation

While the MTSS framework is still in its early stages of implementation in some areas, several Massachusetts communities have already seen promising results. Unlike other areas in the state, the most recent state assessments show the impacts of MTSS as the mean achievement for students in Lexington and Brockton are nearing 2019 levels in math. Here are a few examples of districts and schools at the middle and high school levels that are paving the way:

1. Brockton Public Schools

Brockton, a diverse urban district, has been a key player in the state’s MTSS efforts. The district has used the MTSS grant to focus on improving both academic achievement and behavioral health services for middle and high school students. Brockton’s schools have seen improvements in student engagement, attendance, and behavior through the implementation of a tiered system that offers additional support for students struggling in specific areas. Brockton’s commitment to fostering a positive school climate through MTSS has been a model for other districts in the state.

2. Fall River Public Schools

Fall River, with its unique challenges and rich cultural diversity, is another community where MTSS is making a significant impact. By using the grant funds, Fall River has worked to expand its support systems, ensuring that all students have access to mental health services, academic interventions, and positive behavioral interventions. Middle and high schools in the district have introduced programs that focus on building students’ emotional resilience, especially important given the challenges many students face outside of school. As part of their MTSS implementation, Fall River has also emphasized collaboration between teachers, counselors, and administrators to create an integrated approach to student support.

3. Pittsfield Public Schools

In the western part of the state, Pittsfield has been utilizing the MTSS grant program to promote inclusion and early intervention. Pittsfield Public Schools has focused on providing personalized support to students who are struggling academically or socially. Through this program, middle and high school educators are able to track student progress and provide interventions before students fall behind. The district’s emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL) has helped students better manage stress and build positive relationships, creating a foundation for academic success.

4. Worcester Public Schools

Worcester, one of the largest districts in Massachusetts, has leveraged its MTSS grant to support both academic and behavioral interventions at the middle and high school levels. By integrating SEL into the MTSS framework, Worcester has seen increased student engagement and a decrease in disciplinary actions. The district's focus on early identification and intervention has been particularly successful in preventing academic gaps from widening, especially for students in high-needs populations. Worcester has also focused on using data to inform decision-making, enabling educators to adjust strategies based on individual student progress.

5. Lexington Public Schools

While many MTSS initiatives are focused on urban and diverse districts, Lexington, a suburban community, has also been making great strides in implementing the framework. Lexington has worked to ensure that all students—regardless of academic performance—have access to the right support at the right time. At the middle and high school levels, Lexington has focused on enhancing collaborative efforts between teachers, special education staff, and school counselors to ensure that each student's academic and emotional needs are met. The district's commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive school culture has been a key aspect of their MTSS approach.

The Future of MTSS in Massachusetts

The implementation of MTSS is a long-term process, and these Massachusetts communities are just the beginning. As the state continues to provide resources and professional development through the MTSS grant program, more districts are likely to adopt this framework, like the town of Scituate who started piloting last year, refining it to meet their unique community needs. With continued collaboration and data-driven decision-making, MTSS will no doubt help shape the future of education in Massachusetts, ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive.

The MTSS initiative is a shining example of how a well-coordinated, evidence-based approach can make a real difference in the lives of students. As more districts across Massachusetts implement and expand their MTSS practices, we can expect to see even greater improvements in student outcomes, with positive effects rippling out to families and communities statewide.