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.
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