MTSS vs. RTI: What’s the Difference and How Do the Tiers Support Academics, Behavior, and SEL?

MTSS vs. RTI

The main difference between MTSS and RTI is scope. RTI is a multi-tier approach focused on students’ academic needs. MTSS uses the same tiered approach to support the whole student: academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior. Both use evidence-based practices to provide research-based interventions for struggling students.

Response to Intervention (RTI) Defined

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students’ academic needs.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Defined

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a collaborative, evidence-based 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.

The Difference Between RTI and MTSS

Historically, RTI has only focused on supporting the academic needs of struggling students. MTSS broadens that framework to support the whole student by supporting academic, SEL, behavior needs, and other topics that impact a student’s success in school.

How the Three Tiers Work in Both Frameworks

A three-tiered system of service delivery is a necessary structure to efficiently and effectively support all children, not just those who struggle in school. The three-tiered system of service delivery is crucial in the attempt to ensure all students achieve at high levels and all students achieve college and career readiness.

For a closer look at each tier, including group sizes and what each one looks like in practice, see What Do the Tiers Mean in Response to Intervention (RTI) / Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)?

How MTSS and RTI Support Academics

Utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention is ideal for supporting students in academics. With the practice of administering universal screeners and benchmark assessments, MTSS can help examine core instruction as well as make sure students have the support they need to master grade-level standards and continue making progress in their basic skills.

At Tier 1, every student receives high-quality, standards-based core instruction. At Tier 2, students identified as at risk by a universal screener receive targeted small-group interventions, monitored weekly. At Tier 3, students who don’t progress at Tier 2 receive more intensive support, one-on-one or in a very small group.

How MTSS Goes Further: Behavior and SEL

MTSS is designed not just as a solution or strategy for academics but also for social-emotional learning and behavioral supports. The framework encompasses the whole individual student and applies the 3 tiers of high-quality support to these other areas as well.

PBIS as a Part of MTSS

The focus of the MTSS framework is on positive prevention and proactive learning, which could be supported by Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports or PBIS, which creates a positive school climate aimed at reducing or eliminating poor behavior schoolwide through reinforcement and incentives of positive behaviors. (source)

PBIS is in itself a tiered system that combines behavioral support and SEL instruction, through school-wide expectations and positive recognition, instead of focusing on behavior consequences.

Tier 1: Core Instruction

Whether it be PBIS combined with other SEL programs, most students, or 80% of students will not need more than what Tier 1 core instruction offers. For PBIS this might look like establishing common behavioral expectations with a matrix—like how to line up, cafeteria expectations, and common hallway behavior. This could also mean social-emotional lessons given to all students during morning meetings or homeroom classes.

"In a school that is effectively implementing these school-wide supports, it is estimated that a majority of students (80-90%) will respond positively.” (source)

Tier 2: Strategic Support

5-15% of students might need more targeted support if they continue to show at-risk behaviors or need increased opportunities for instruction and feedback on school expectations. For example, a check-in check-out intervention is useful for students who need that extra adult time for their social-emotional and behavioral needs or even small group support to prevent the behavior from becoming a bigger problem.

Tier 3: Intensive Support

For those students who don’t respond to Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports, they will need more intensive interventions at Tier 3. This might include interventions from school counselors, psychologists, behavior specialists, or even outside services. This should be a small group, about 1-5% of students.

Where MTSS and RTI Are Used?

The MTSS pyramid model can be useful in academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior prevention. This model can be a framework within an individual school but can have a broader impact at the school district level. The MTSS pyramid not only impacts the classroom at the micro level but can influence the whole of a system at the macro level. It requires leadership at both levels, depending on a team and collaborative environment.

Why the Difference Matters

The MTSS pyramid model is essential to providing the most equitable educational experience for students. Not only does it help schools examine the quality of their core instruction, but it utilizes the educators’ knowledge and expertise to understand learners and make data-informed decisions about what supports are needed. It is collaborative and impacts all aspects of the structure of a school and district. MTSS levels the playing field for all learners and allows schools to improve the learning process for all.

FAQs About MTSS

• What is the difference between MTSS and RTI?

  RTI focuses on academic needs. MTSS applies the same tiered approach to academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior.

• What is an MTSS Framework?

  An MTSS framework is a collaborative, evidence-based approach to differentiating and personalized learning instruction and intervention for all students through academics, social-emotional learning, and behavior.

• What is the Goal of MTSS?
  The goal of MTSS is to be able to provide high-quality instruction to all, but also provide targeted support and intensive interventions for those students that need it most.

• How are Students Identified for an MTSS Intervention?
  Students are identified for an MTSS intervention by using a universal screener, such as a nationally normed assessment or SEL screener. Using a diagnostic assessment will narrow down the exact intervention needed.

• What is Early MTSS?
  Early MTSS is a pyramid framework for evidence-based instruction and practice for developing a young child’s social and emotional development. This is guidance for early educators, parents, and early interventionists. This model is built on the foundation of nurturing and Responsive Relationships and High-Quality Supportive Environments. (source)

Additional resources you may find helpful:

• MTSS Month-by-Month Checklists
• On-demand webinar: How to Get Ready for the School Year with MTSS
• RTI/MTSS Synopses in an Elementary & Secondary Setting