The CharacterStrong Blog

Big Updates to CharacterStrong Tier 2: Smarter Systems, Engaging Lessons, and Expanded Supports

Written by CharacterStrong | Jun 26, 2025 1:44:16 PM

Ever had a student who clearly needed more support, but no one could say for sure what had been delivered or tracked?

In Tier 2, that happens all the time. Teachers want to know if interventions are working. Parents want updates. And educators are left juggling it all. When systems are scattered, students fall through the cracks—and in Tier 2, that risk is even greater.

That’s why we’ve reimagined the Tier 2 experience—not just as a product, but as a comprehensive solution to the real-world challenges educators face every day. These updates aren’t just about adding features—they’re about making Tier 2 easier to implement, more engaging for students, and more aligned with the outcomes you care about most.

Because every student deserves access to the right supports at the right time, and every educator deserves tools that make it possible.

You asked, and we delivered. A brand-new, upgraded Tier 2 experience—built from your feedback. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it helps you build a stronger, smarter Tier 2 system.

 What's Changing & When:

 
Date  What to expect

 

Now - July 21

Access to Tier 2 materials and planning tools from our current version. Your Customer Success Team is available to support you with implementation planning and early PD on what’s going to change! 

Week of July 22

Official launch of the new Tier 2 experience with a recorded walkthrough, sample content, and guidance documents.

 

Week of August 21

Content improvement launches! Elementary: Launch of new and improved Powered Up lessons and content. MS and HS: Launch of revised and streamlined lessons and content.

Ongoing (August - October)

Optional implementation support sessions and Q&A drop-in hours.

 

The Challenge: Juggling Files and Paperwork

The Solution: A Centralized Tier 2 Dashboard

For too long, Tier 2 implementation has required patching together multiple systems, folders for lessons, and emails for communication. It’s inefficient, confusing, and often leaves students lacking the support they need.

Our new Tier 2 Dashboard changes that.
With the dashboard, you can:

  • See which students need Tier 2 support—and why
  • Assign supports, facilitators, and sessions in one place
  • Track lesson-by-lesson progress for each supports
  • Monitor fidelity of delivery—ensuring sessions happen as planned
  • Have access to on-demand reports showing student impact

This means less time chasing information and more time focused on what matters: supporting students.

The Challenge: Finding lessons that are easy to deliver, engaging, and age-appropriate—while avoiding ones that are too long.

The Solution: A refreshed curriculum featuring shorter educator scripts, rebuilt lessons, and dozens of new videos designed to boost engagement and ease of use.

You told us that while the foundation of the Tier 2 content was strong, it could be more engaging—especially for younger students—and easier for facilitators to deliver.

We listened. The new Tier 2 curriculum includes:

  • Dozens of brand-new videos that bring key concepts to life
  • Content specifically designed for PreK, elementary, and skills for success
  • Lessons rebuilt with I Do, We Do, You Do scaffolding, making it easier for students to grasp and apply skills
  • Continued alignment with PBIS and MTSS frameworks, so your Tier 2 supports work seamlessly with your existing systems

These updates make Tier 2 lessons more accessible, engaging, and impactful—helping students strengthen skills in emotional regulation, coping, executive functioning, and relationships.

 

The Challenge: Supporting Diverse Student Needs Beyond Behavioral Needs

The Solution: Expanded Tier 2 Supports for Attendance and Motivation

Not all Tier 2 students need the same supports. Some struggle with behavior or emotional regulation, while others face challenges like chronic absenteeism or low motivation despite having the skills.

To meet these varied needs, we’re adding:

  • Attendance supports for students at risk of chronic absenteeism
  • Performance-based supports for students who have skills but struggle with engagement

This expansion ensures that Tier 2 isn’t a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a responsive system that meets students where they are.

The Challenge: Limited Time for Training and Ongoing Learning

The Solution: Embedded Professional Learning and Monthly Live Support

You’re busy and you may not have a resident expert at your site. We've got you covered. You need professional learning that’s accessible when you need it—not just at the start of the year.

That’s why we’re embedding learning modules directly into the Tier 2 platform and offering monthly live trainings to:

  • Build confidence in delivering Tier 2 lessons
  • Provide a space for problem-solving and Q&A
  • Support your team with practical strategies and fresh ideas

These resources ensure your staff feels equipped, not overwhelmed—and that you can continue growing your Tier 2 systems throughout the year.

A Stronger, Smarter Tier 2 System

These updates aren’t just new features, they’re solutions to the real barriers educators face when implementing Tier 2 supports. By making Tier 2 easier to manage, more engaging for students, and better aligned with your MTSS framework, we’re helping you build a system that works—for every learner.

Want to learn more? Access samples of our Tier 2 Curriculum and book a call today to learn how to get started. We can’t wait for you to explore these updates and see the difference they’ll make for your students. Let’s continue to build a stronger middle tier, and ensure that every student gets the support they need to thrive.