MLSS, what?

MLSS is an evidence-based framework designed to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all learners through progressively intensive tiers of support:

1. Layer 1 – Universal/Core Support
   High-quality instruction and interventions delivered to every student, universally in a Tier or Layer 1 ecosystem. This includes differentiated, scaffolded lessons, universal screening, and proactive classroom management.

2. Layer 2 – Targeted/SmallGroup Support
   For students not sufficiently supported by Layer 1, this is additional, data-driven instruction in small groups, on-the-spot tailored intervention, real-time in the general classroom, or during an intervention block specific to the needs of the students.

3. Layer 3 – Intensive/Individualized Support
   Customized, intensive interventions for students who continue to struggle, often implemented alongside evaluation for special services, and on-going progress monitoring of growth, stagnancy, or absence of growth in grade-level core instruction.

Important Tenets:

• Fluid movement between tiers based on student performance.

• Collaboration across teams—teachers, specialists, counselors, families.

• Data-driven decision-making to ensure timely support.

Research shows MLSS helps reduce learning gaps, fosters inclusion, and boosts student outcomes while supporting educators’ planning and responsiveness.