M - Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District

Supporting Regional Implementation of
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
This school year the TBAISD MTSS implementation
team worked to create an implementation plan that
supports Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
implementation at the district level within our
region. MTSS is an integrated, multi-tiered system of
instruction, assessment, and intervention designed
to meet the achievement and behavioral needs of
all learners (MDE, 2011). In a Multi-tiered System
of Support, three tiers of instruction are typically
implemented to address the needs of
the student population in the areas of
academics and behavior. This threetiered
approach allows for delivery of
high-quality, consistent curriculum to all
students and ensures early intervention
for those who are behind.
The TBAISD MTSS team developed
a regional plan to support district
level MTSS implementation across
our region. Marianne Swank, TBAISD
MTSS facilitator, is charged with
operationalizing the plan and structures that need
to be in place for successful implementation. The
implementation team includes: Marianne Swank, Leigh
Kennedy, Dave Clark, Jennifer Morgenstern, Kate Arvo,
Paul Bauer, Tina Frollo, Carrie VanLandschoot and
Amy Branco. The MTSS implementation support plan
includes goals for supporting MTSS implementation
efforts, development of internal (TBAISD) capacity,
development of external LEA capacity, determining
district readiness, selection of district(s), and
differentiating building supports.
The Implementation Science (NIRN) shows it
takes 3-5 years for large-scale rollout focusing on
organizational structures, leadership, training, and
coaching. There are 3 stages of implementation:
• Should we do it? (Explore/installation)
• Work to do it right! (Initial/Full Implementation)
• Work do to it better!’ (Innovation/Sustainability)
It is our goal that 82% of TBAISD Districts will
implement MTSS within these three stages by 2017.
MTSS is an integrated,
multi-tiered system of
instruction, assessment,
and intervention
designed to meet
the achievement and
behavioral needs of all
learners (MDE, 2011).
Internally, we are providing coaching and MTSS
professional development to support initial district
implementation.
As we plan for partnering with districts, those that
have already been a part of MiBLSi may have many
of the resources & components in place within their
MiBLSi building, potentially considering district level
MTSS implementation. In addition to MiBLSi districts,
those that have no experience with MiBLSi, but have
worked collaboratively with TBAISD
around their School Improvement Plan
(SIP) process, may be approached to
determine how MTSS implementation
may support their SIP goals. For all
districts, data will be collected through
School Process Rubric 40 (SPR 40).
Particular consideration will be given to
the following SPR 40 key indicators:
• Leadership
• Data
• Information management
• Professional learning
This spring, TBAISD cabinet members and the
MTSS facilitator will meet with leaders of prospective
partnering districts to determine MTSS need, fit with
current initiatives, resources, readiness, and capacity
to implement. As we look forward, districts partnering
for MTSS implementation will have a district-level
MTSS implementation team that will attend regional
MTSS professional development and receive coaching
support, creating district rollout plans targeted to
support their SIP and student needs.
The MTSS implementation team is dedicated
to supporting regional MTSS implementation and
sustainability practices for ours own organization, as
well as for the LEAs we serve. If you have questions or
would like further information, please contact
Marianne Swank, TBAISD Multi-tiered System of
Supports Facilitator at mswank@tbaisd.org or call
231-922-6242.
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