A first-year MTSS director’s journey

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Insights and strategies for aspiring instructional leaders

November 11, 2024

The following article was written by Kim Porter, director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at Antelope Valley Union High School District.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the role of instructional leadership has become increasingly crucial in driving positive outcomes for students. Within this context, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework serves as a guiding light, offering a comprehensive approach to meeting the diverse academic and behavioral needs of all learners. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the eyes of a first-year MTSS director, exploring the challenges, triumphs and insights gained in navigating the path of instructional leadership.

At its core, MTSS is a tiered framework designed to provide a continuum of support to students, with interventions matched to their individual needs. This tiered approach encompasses three levels: Tier 1 (universal support for all students), Tier 2 (targeted interventions for students at risk), and Tier 3 (intensive interventions for students with significant needs). The essence of MTSS is to ensure that each student receives the right level of support at the right time, allowing them to thrive in their educational journey. As an MTSS director, the responsibility lies in orchestrating the implementation and continuous improvement of this framework within the educational setting.

As the district’s MTSS director, my role is akin to being the conductor of a large orchestra, ensuring all parts work harmoniously to produce beautiful music. My responsibilities include:

Collaborating with stakeholders to establish a shared vision for MTSS implementation.
Designing and facilitating professional development to equip staff members with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective MTSS practices.
Analyzing data to identify student needs, monitor progress and make data-informed decisions.
Fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation among staff members, with a focus on continuous improvement.

My first year in the role of an MTSS director was riddled with triumphs and not without its challenges. One of my proudest achievements this year has been continued work in establishing a solid foundation for MTSS across the district. We provided extensive training to ensure everyone understood the process and their role within it.

Laying this groundwork is crucial in gaining buy-in from all educational partners. It was also incredibly rewarding witnessing the success of sites that are implementing schoolwide Tier 1 practices and their testimonies of success and seeing improvements in their students and school culture. Another highlight has been the amount of collaboration among teachers, administration and the overall school community. There’s a strong network of support where everyone’s input is valued. This teamwork is vital in creating an environment where students can succeed.

Implementing MTSS district-wide can be challenging. Change is often met with resistance, and some are skeptical about the additional workload, which is typically seen as “another new thing.”

Implementing MTSS district-wide can be challenging. Change is often met with resistance, and some are skeptical about the additional workload, which is typically seen as “another new thing.” There is also some concern about the effectiveness of the new framework. It takes time and effort to demonstrate the benefits of MTSS and win everyone’s support. Another challenge lies in juggling multiple responsibilities and ensuring consistent communication across all schools. Effective time management and prioritization are essential to keep everything running smoothly. By leveraging my leadership skills, fostering open communication, and building relationships based on trust and respect, I began to overcome obstacles and make strides towards effective MTSS implementation.

As I reflect on my first year as an MTSS director, I would like to share some valuable insights and strategies for aspiring instructional leaders.

Building relationships: Establishing trust and rapport with staff members and stakeholders is foundational to successful leadership. Take the time to listen, collaborate, and empathize with others.

Data-informed decision making: Utilize data to identify student needs, monitor progress, and make informed instructional decisions. Data-driven practices form the bedrock of effective MTSS implementation.

Professional development: Provide targeted professional development opportunities to equip staff members with the knowledge and skills necessary for MTSS success. Invest in ongoing training and support to ensure sustainability and fidelity of implementation.

Continuous monitoring and adjustment: MTSS is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Continuous monitoring and adjustment are crucial to ensure its effectiveness. We regularly reviewed data and gathered feedback from our site MTSS teams to identify areas for improvement. This iterative process allows us to refine our strategies and interventions continuously.

Cultivating a growth mindset: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and learning among staff members. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and celebrate successes, no matter how small.

As I look ahead to the future, I am filled with a sense of optimism and determination. The following are a few goals I have set to further improve our MTSS implementation.

Strengthening the MTSS framework While we made significant progress, there’s always room for improvement. I will focus on refining processes to ensure they are efficient and effective. Identifying and providing additional resources is also key to ensure adequate support for teachers and students.

Focus on equity Ensuring equity in education is a top priority. My focus will be on using data to identify achievement gaps and empowering teams to implement targeted interventions to address them. This will ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. Further, I will work closely with the community to understand their needs and involve them in the MTSS process.

Enhancing professional development

Professional development is a continuous process. Our training focus will involve strengthening Tier 1 practices while working to meet the specific needs of our school sites with regards to Tier 2 and site Tier 2 practices. I would also like to continue leveraging the experts that are in our district to provide new insights and strategies.

Celebrating successes Celebrating successes helps in maintaining motivation and building a positive culture. Sharing success stories to inspire and motivate others, recognizing and rewarding the hard work of our staff, and keeping a positive attitude helps to ensure our focus is laser sharp on what we can achieve together.

My first year as an MTSS director has been an incredible journey. I remain steadfast in my commitment to advancing the principles of instructional leadership and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction and support. Armed with valuable insights and strategies gained from this past year as an MTSS director, I am poised to inspire and empower others to embrace the journey of instructional leadership and chart a course toward academic excellence for all learners.