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Tier 2

What Is Tier 2 in Response to Intervention (RTI) / Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)?

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Published on

October 28, 2019

Last updated

June 26, 2025

What Is Tier 2 in Response to Intervention (RTI) / Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)?-featured-image

    At Tier 2, students identified as being at-risk academically or behaviorally through universal screeners are provided scientific, research-based interventions in addition to the core. Approximately 5-15% of students will need supplemental instruction at Tier 2 to become proficient. Tier 2 interventions are implemented with groups of students demonstrating common skill deficits or social/emotional/behavioral risk characteristics. These students can be observed on the Branching Minds platform, where a collaborative intervention plan is developed, monitored, and documented.

    MTSS pyramid

    What Does Tier 2 Support Involve?

    Tier 2 or targeted group interventions typically involve an additional 60-90 minutes of instruction (outside of core instruction) provided each week (e.g., two to three 30-minute intervention periods). Targeted group interventions must be:

    • More explicit
    • More intensive than core instruction
    • More supportive in the form of encouragement, feedback, and positive reinforcement
    • Carefully scaffolded

    Ideally, they would occur in groups of approximately 3 to 5 students, for elementary, and 6 to 8 students, or Tier 2 support classes broken into a few groups of 6 to 8 students, for middle and high schools.

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    About the author

    Branching Minds

    Branching Minds is a highly respected K-12 services and technology company that leverages the learning sciences and technology to help districts effectively personalize learning through enhancements to their MTSS/RTI practice. Having worked with hundreds of districts across the country, we bring deep expertise in learning sciences, data management and analysis, software design, coaching, and collaboration. Combined with our extensive toolkit of resources, PD, and technology, we provide a system-level solution. We are more than a service or a software provider, we are partners who will deliver sustainable results for educators, and a path to success for every learner.

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