The first Knight Insight of the month features Mrs. Bridgett Bunn, Director of Student Services, and Mrs. Cassie Schaffer, Director of Teaching and Learning, explaining how our school district supports students throughout the learning process.
Dear Van Buren Families and Community Members,
As the Directors of Student Services and Teaching and Learning, we have an ongoing commitment to the success of all students. To support student success, the district utilizes a research-based approach known as Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
MTSS is a framework designed to provide targeted support to every student, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have access to the resources and interventions that will help them grow. This system is structured in three distinct tiers, with each tier providing increasingly focused levels of support to meet students where they are presently performing. In order to provide appropriate tiered support, grades K-8 use data from universal screening tests (MAP for grades K-8 and Acadience for grades K-2) conducted 2-3 times annually to initiate, monitor, and allocate proper support levels.
Support is structured across three tiers: Universal Instruction, Targeted Support, and Intensive Support.
Tier 1: Universal Instruction (General Education): Approximately 80%+ of students require ONLY this level of support to progress and meet academic grade level standards.
MTSS begins with high-quality instruction and a positive learning environment for all students. In Tier 1, we focus on promoting the growth of every student by implementing research-based teaching strategies, offering a safe and welcoming environment, and fostering strong relationships among staff, students, and families. Most students will succeed with universal instruction in place.
Tier 2: Targeted Support: (General Education + Targeted Support) Approximately 10-15% of students require this level of support in collaboration with Universal Instruction.
For some students, universal support may not be enough, and they may need additional assistance to help them meet target expectations. In Tier 2, targeted interventions are put in place for small groups of students who require more specific support. These interventions are often in the form of focused small-group interventions tailored to meet students' needs. A few Tier 2 supports include Title 1 Reading Services for additional reading support, Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plans (RIMPS), daily growth classes, or targeted interventions in a small-group setting 2-3 times per week. These supports typically occur during a period built into the day so students do not miss core instruction. This is a period in which no new learning occurs, and the focus is on targeted extension, additional repetition, skill practice, and interventions.
Tier 3: Intensive Support: Approximately 3-5% of students require this level of support and could need a modified curriculum or specially designed instruction.
Finally, some students may need intensive support to succeed. This tier is reserved for students who require more personalized interventions, such as daily interventions or specialized plans. Our team works closely with families, support staff, and community organizations to develop and implement a plan that meets the specific needs of the student.
Collaboration and Communication
Our commitment to MTSS goes beyond just the school walls. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with families, community organizations (Hancock County Family Resource Center, Blanchard Valley Center SSAs, Coordinated Care Programs/Coordinators through Ohio Rise, Opportunities for Ohians with Disabilities, etc), and other support systems to ensure students are receiving the help they need. Regular progress monitoring, feedback, and open communication are essential to keeping students on the path to success.
We are excited to continue working together to support our students and make sure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, so please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. As a parent or guardian, YOU are a member of your child's Student Support Team (SST)!
If you would like to learn more, please visit the MTSS Parent’s Guide provided by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce at https://bit.ly/VBLSMTSS.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and our school community. Together, we are making a difference!
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Bridgett Bunn and Mrs. Cassie Schaffer
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