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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:18 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Hello, leaders. Happy Tuesday.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:22 Welcome back to Your Morning Boost. Today, we're going to continue this week-long
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 deep dive into the MTSS process.
00:00:24 --> 00:00:27 And today, we're actually going to focus on one critical aspect of MTSS that
00:00:27 --> 00:00:31 we frequently overlook, and that is our Tier 1 instruction.
00:00:31 --> 00:00:35 We tend to just jump straight to Tier 3 interventions when our students start
00:00:35 --> 00:00:38 to struggle, but really the truth is if our Tier 1 isn't strong,
00:00:39 --> 00:00:41 all other tiers are going to struggle.
00:00:41 --> 00:00:45 Tier 1, it's the foundation. This is where all of our students receive high-quality
00:00:45 --> 00:00:47 research-based instruction.
00:00:47 --> 00:00:51 Think of it this way. If our foundation is cracked, building higher on that
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 building, it's just going to lead to more problems down the road.
00:00:54 --> 00:00:57 All students get Tier 1 instruction, so we have to get this right.
00:00:57 --> 00:01:01 We need to be sure that the core curriculum is rigorous, engaging,
00:01:01 --> 00:01:05 and it's aligned with state standards so we are meeting the needs of all of our students.
00:01:05 --> 00:01:08 Now, research from the National Center on Intensive Intervention highlights
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 the importance of core instruction.
00:01:10 --> 00:01:14 They emphasize that effective Tier 1 instruction is essential for preventing
00:01:14 --> 00:01:16 academic and behavioral difficulties.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 And frankly, they have extensive toolkits and resources on their website that can help.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 I would encourage you to check those out. This research also shows,
00:01:25 --> 00:01:28 though, that strong Tier 1 instruction can reduce the number of students needing
00:01:28 --> 00:01:32 Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, and I think we all understand that.
00:01:32 --> 00:01:36 So what does strong Tier 1 instruction look like? This includes using evidence-based
00:01:36 --> 00:01:42 practices, using instructional strategies that have been proven effective through rigorous research.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:46 It means using methods like explicit instruction, cooperative learning,
00:01:46 --> 00:01:50 formative assessment, many of the things that we know to be good methods of teaching.
00:01:50 --> 00:01:55 It also requires differentiated instruction, meeting the diverse needs of all
00:01:55 --> 00:01:58 learners by providing multiple pathways to learning.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:03 This includes varying content, process, and the product, whatever we need to
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 do to be able to meet individual student needs.
00:02:05 --> 00:02:08 It also includes ongoing progress monitoring.
00:02:09 --> 00:02:14 We need to regularly assess student learning to inform our instruction and make adjustments as needed.
00:02:14 --> 00:02:17 This means we use formative assessments like exit tickets, quizzes,
00:02:18 --> 00:02:19 observations, all of those things to
00:02:19 --> 00:02:23 track student progress and adjust our instruction based on those results.
00:02:24 --> 00:02:27 This also includes a positive, supportive classroom environment.
00:02:27 --> 00:02:32 We want to create a space where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.
00:02:32 --> 00:02:37 This includes establishing clear expectations, building positive relationships,
00:02:37 --> 00:02:39 and promoting a growth mindset.
00:02:39 --> 00:02:44 Without all four of these working within Tier 1, frankly, we are not ready to
00:02:44 --> 00:02:47 move forward with a strong MTSS process.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:52 It's easy to get caught up in the urgency of Tier 2 and Tier 3. I understand that.
00:02:52 --> 00:02:56 But don't forget, prevention should come before intervention.
00:02:56 --> 00:03:00 We need to invest in strong Tier 1 instruction, and this will help reduce the
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 number of students that need more intensive supports.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:06 This means we need to provide professional development for our teachers.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:11 We need to ensure access to the high-quality resources and help foster a culture
00:03:11 --> 00:03:13 of continuous improvement with our staff.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:17 We have to start at Tier 1 before we can know where to go next.
00:03:18 --> 00:03:21 One of my favorite sayings goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
00:03:21 --> 00:03:24 cure. And I think that's really key here too.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:29 We need to prioritize Tier 1, build that strong foundation for all of our students.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 Take a look at your Tier 1 instruction. If it's not where you think it needs
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 to be, that's where you need to set your focus.
00:03:35 --> 00:03:40 Get your tier one instruction to be the foundation for that strong MTSS building to come.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:43 Thanks for joining us today. Have a fantastic Tuesday.
00:03:43 --> 00:03:47 We will continue this deep dive into the MTSS process all week.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 Another quick reminder, tomorrow our special Your Booster Shot episode with
00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 Dr. Chad Lang is going to be available.
00:03:53 --> 00:03:57 Get a chance to check that one out. I promise you it will be worth your time.
00:03:57 --> 00:04:01 Otherwise, again, thanks for listening today. We will talk with you again tomorrow.
00:04:01 --> 00:04:05 You have been listening to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:07 --> 00:04:12 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:17 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:17 --> 00:04:21 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.