Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) at Boltz Middle School
Boltz MTSS Team
Carolyn Smith-Karl MTSS Coordinator, Tiers 1-3 Academic & Behavior
casmith@psdschools.org, 970-829-7209 (work cell)
Megan Campain MTSS, Tier 2 Academic Math
Natalie Worthington MTSS, Tier 2 Academic ELA
Gabe Vigil Assistant Principal, MTSS, Tier 1 Behavior
Robin Howard Assistant Principal, MTSS Tiers 2 & 3 Behavior
Supporting Every Student, Every Day
At our school, we are committed to ensuring that every student in grades 6-8 receives the support, instruction, and opportunities needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, we provide a continuum of support to meet the diverse needs of all learners. MTSS is a proactive approach that allows us to identify student needs early, provide timely interventions, celebrate strengths, and ensure every student has access to the support necessary to grow and succeed. By working together with students, families, and staff, we create pathways for success for all learners.
Tier 1: Universal Supports for All Students
Tier 1 focuses on high-quality instruction and supports available to every student every day. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed.
Our Tier 1 practices include:
- Universal Classroom Best Practices that promote engagement, rigor, differentiation, and student success.
- A school-wide attendance focus, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance and positive school connections.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) opportunities that help students develop self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and resilience.
- Restorative circles and conversations that build community, strengthen relationships, and support positive problem-solving when conflicts arise.
Tier 2: Targeted Supports & Enrichment
Some students benefit from additional support or enrichment beyond the core classroom experience. Tier 2 provides targeted instruction based on individual student needs. These supports are flexible and responsive, ensuring students receive the right assistance at the right time.
Our Tier 2 opportunities include:
- WIN (What I Need) Intervention Classes that provide focused support in reading and mathematics.
- Progress monitoring and targeted skill development to help students close learning gaps and achieve grade-level expectations.
- Extension classes designed for students ready for additional challenges and enrichment.
- Advanced learning opportunities focused on literacy development and Gifted & Talented Depth and Complexity to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and deeper learning.
Tier 3: Intensive Individualized Support
For students who require more intensive intervention, Tier 3 provides individualized supports designed to address specific academic, behavioral, attendance, or social-emotional needs.
Tier 3 may include:
- Individualized intervention plans.
- Intensive academic instruction and progress monitoring.
- Collaboration among teachers, counselors, specialists, families, and support staff.
- Personalized strategies and supports designed to help students achieve success and reach their full potential.
MTSS Decision-Making & Next Steps
Our MTSS process is designed to ensure that students receive increasing levels of support based on their individual needs. As interventions and supports are implemented, student progress is carefully monitored and reviewed by the MTSS team. Decisions are made collaboratively using multiple sources of data, including academic performance, attendance, behavior, and social-emotional indicators.
When a student demonstrates a need for support beyond what can be provided through Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions, the MTSS team may consider an evaluation for Integrated Services. This decision is made only after reviewing the effectiveness of interventions, analyzing student progress data, and collaborating with families and school staff. Evaluation for Integrated Services helps determine whether a student may qualify for additional specialized supports and services to ensure continued growth, success, and access to learning opportunities.
Our goal is to identify and remove barriers to success while providing every student with the individualized support they need to reach their full potential. By partnering with families throughout the MTSS process, we work together to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.