Empowering Schools: How to Build a Thriving MTSS for Administrators, Teachers, and Students

By Matia Williams Goodwin - Kershaw County School District

---

Summary: Empowering Schools: How to Build a Thriving MTSS for Administrators, Teachers, and Students, challenges common misconceptions about the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and emphasizes its role as a proactive framework for supporting all students—not just those in need of special education referrals. The post explores the cultural shift required for effective MTSS implementation and outlines six key strategies for success, including assessing current practices, gathering stakeholder feedback, integrating MTSS into school goals, setting SMART goals, developing professional development plans, and ensuring sustainability through data analysis. By following these steps, schools can build a strong, collaborative MTSS framework that benefits students, teachers, and administrators alike.

When I ask school administrators and teachers about MTSS, I often hear, “Yes, we are implementing it!” But as the conversation continues, it quickly shifts to, “We hold MTSS meetings for students struggling with specific concepts so we can complete the special education referral process.”

Sound familiar?

MTSS—Multi-Tiered System of Supports—is meant to be so much more than just a pathway to special education. It’s a proactive, data-driven framework designed to support all students, not just those who are struggling. So, when you hear "MTSS," what comes to mind? A referral system? Or a powerful approach to meeting the diverse needs of every learner? Let’s dive into what a successful MTSS truly looks like.

Implementing a successful Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is no small task for school districts. It’s not just about meeting a requirement or checking a box—it’s about transforming mindsets and redefining how educators support students at every level. MTSS requires a cultural shift, where all staff members work collaboratively to ensure every student receives the right level of support. Gaining buy-in from all stakeholders is essential, and to make this shift successful, six key strategies can help pave the way for effective implementation. Let’s explore how to build a strong, sustainable MTSS framework that truly benefits students, teachers, and administrators alike.

Evaluate what’s already in place in your building.

Before launching a comprehensive transformation, assess what is working well in your building and what needs improvement. Many effective components of a strong MTSS may already be in place. Building on these strengths ensures a solid foundation for growth.

The South Carolina MTSS framework is a valuable resource for identifying the essential systems needed for an effective process. It emphasizes the simultaneous implementation of six key components: Leadership, Capacity & Infrastructure, Communication & Collaboration, Data-Based Problem Solving, a Three-Tiered Model, and Data Evaluation.

Collect Feedback from All Stakeholders

After identifying the strengths of your MTSS process, form a team that includes all stakeholders to assess their understanding of MTSS. Everyone in your building should have a voice—educators, support staff, and parents all want to feel valued in the process.

Gathering feedback allows you to pinpoint areas where training or clarification is needed for successful implementation.

Develop Your Mission and Vision for MTSS

Integrate the MTSS process into your strategic plan, ensuring it is not seen as a separate initiative but as a key part of your professional learning community discussions. Encourage staff to embed MTSS into ongoing conversations about student progress and instructional strategies.

Keep the focus on data—analyzing state, district, and common assessment results to drive meaningful change. Remind everyone that MTSS is designed to support all students, with the ultimate goal of improving both academic achievement and social-emotional outcomes for every learner.

Create SMART Goals

Once your school's vision is established, it's time to set grade-level or subject-specific goals. Use building-wide data and trends to create targeted goals that drive improvement.

For example, if discipline referrals have increased, set a school climate goal to track and reduce them. If third-grade reading proficiency is a concern, establish a goal to increase the number of students reading at grade level by year’s end. Identify effective strategies to support students and enhance their skills.

Regularly track progress and adjust as needed to ensure meaningful outcomes.

Create the Professional Development Plan

Now that you’ve identified your strengths and areas for growth, focus on one key opportunity for improvement and develop a plan to strengthen this area.

For example, if your school has a strong MTSS leadership team but lacks a broader understanding among stakeholders, your professional development plan should include targeted training and systems to build capacity with all stakeholders.

Analyze the Data and Plan for Sustainability

After implementation, analyze the data and document improvements. Ask yourself:

• What must we do to sustain growth?

• Have we shifted mindsets to view MTSS as a system where all students are valued?

• Are we proactively supporting students rather than relying on the referral process?

A sustainable MTSS framework ensures that all students are given the opportunity to succeed.

Building a strong and sustainable MTSS framework takes time, commitment, and a collective effort from all stakeholders. By assessing existing structures, gathering feedback, setting clear goals, and prioritizing professional development, schools can create a system that truly supports every student. The ultimate goal is not just to implement MTSS but to embed it into the culture of the school—where data-driven decisions, collaboration, and proactive interventions become the norm. When done effectively, MTSS moves beyond being a referral system and transforms into a powerful tool for student success. The question is, how will your school take the next step?

###

About the Author

Matia Williams Goodwin serves as the Director of Intervention and Enrichment for the Kershaw County School District, where she is dedicated to empowering educators and enhancing student success. Her mission is to support the implementation of an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), equipping schools with the tools they need to improve student achievement. With a strong focus on collaboration and whole-child support, she works to ensure that families receive the wraparound services necessary for long-term success. Connect with Matia on X @MatiaGoodwin