Tier 1 is the foundational level of support in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), providing high-quality, research-based core instruction to all students in the general education classroom. These practices build on the core principles of Tier 1 instruction. If you need a refresher, here's what Tier 1 means in MTSS before applying it at the secondary level."
At Tier 1, all students receive scientific, research-based core instruction implemented with integrity and emphasizing grade-level standards and school-wide behavioral expectations. Instruction at Tier 1 should be explicit, differentiated and include flexible grouping and active student engagement.
To ensure 80% of students’ needs are met at Tier 1, high quality instruction is essential. Features of high quality, research-based instruction include (Chard et al., 2008):
Standards-Based Curriculum: a curriculum based upon the state/district standards.
Systematic Explicit Instruction: Skills are taught from less to more complex using direct, clear and concise instructional language.
Differentiated Instruction: Students have different levels of background knowledge and school readiness; differentiated instruction engages each student in active learning according to his/her needs. The content of instruction, delivery of instruction, and targeted level of instruction can be differentiated.
Flexible Grouping: A combination of whole group, small group, and individual instruction allows teachers to create fluid groups that meet the needs of all students.
Active Student Engagement: Ensuring all students are actively involved during instruction and are not passive recipients; this can be accomplished with high rates of opportunities to respond, ample time to practice skills, and prompt corrective feedback.
Classroom Behavior Strategies: Proactively and explicitly teaching the expected behaviors and routines, frequent use of reinforcement and praise (4:1 positive to negative feedback loop), quick and efficient transition times, and consistent instructional response to misbehavior.
Related Resource: For a broader look at how Tier 1 fits alongside Tier 2 and Tier 3, along with answers to other common MTSS questions, see MTSS FAQs: Your Simple Questions About Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Answered."