What is MTSS?

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a term used to describe an evidence-based model of schooling that uses data-based problem-solving to integrate academic, communication, and behavioral instruction and intervention.  In LPS, many educators referred to this in the past as RTI.

View the LPS K-12 MTSS Framework

Why MTSS?

  • National research-based practice used by NDE
  • MTSS supports all 3 tiers
  • Decisions are based on data
  • Encompasses both academic and behavior evidenced-based practices
  • Provides a systemic process for teachers and teams to support students
  • Implemented within the general education classroom or specialized settings
  • Integrates SAP, PBIS, CITW2, Explicit Instruction (Archer), & Data Teams
  • Multiple ways to meet individual student needs across tiers
  • Proactive way to address student needs

Purpose of MTSS

  • Supports students who are struggling academically and socially/emotionally
    • Supports staff to differentiate interventions based on individual need
    • Builds consistency and common practices/language across the district
  • Used to potentially identify students for special education (according to Rule 51)
    • Not every student who receives MTSS support is on the special education ‘track’
    • Intended to be an intervention process to prevent special education verification

LPS MTSS Vision Statement

Lincoln Public Schools provides a PK-12 district-wide, general education process that systematically identifies individual student needs, provides research-informed interventions, and monitors student progress through data driven systems. This problem-solving approach addresses academic, behavioral, communication, and social needs increasing the likelihood students will meet grade level district expectations.

Resources

Co-Committee Leaders

  • Dr. Jenny Fundus, Director of Special Education
  • Dr. Pat Hunter-Pirtle, Director of Secondary Education
  • Takako Olson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Cindy Schwaninger, Director of Elementary Education

Committee Members

Elementary

  • Kelly Apel, Principal, Brownell
  • Sean Bailey, Principal, Beattie
  • Julie Lawler, Principal, Campbell
  • J. J. Wilkins, Principal, Arnold

Secondary

  • Brent Ailes, Associate Principal, Southeast HS
  • Keri Applebee, Associate Principal, Southwest HS
  • Duane Dohmen, Principal, Lux MS
  • Casey Fries, Associate Principal, East HS
  • Clay Hollmann, Special Ed. Coordinator, Southeast HS
  • Sara Jones, Special Ed. Dept. Chair, North Star HS
  • Josh Lupher, Associate Principal, Lincoln HS
  • John Matzen, Associate Principal, North Star HS
  • Liz Miller, Associate Principal , East HS
  • Doug Wetherholt, Associate Principal,  Northeast HS

District

  • Edwin Bonner, Student Services Supervisor
  • Scott Eckman, Special Education Supervisor
  • Mary Ells, Special Education Supervisor
  • Carrie Foster, Special Education Supervisor
  • Josh Males, Math Curriculum Specialist
  • Sara Mann, PBIS Coach
  • Dr. Mindy Murphy, Secondary ELA Curriculum Specialist
  • Mindy Roberts, Special Education Supervisor
  • Lisa Oltman, K-6 ELA Curriculum Specialist
  • Sarah Salem, Director of School Improvement and Professional Development
  • Melissa Weber-Arnold, Special Education Supervisor