The challenges of delivering effective Tier 3 supports in schools are well-known. These intensive interventions, crucial for students with the highest needs, often require specialized expertise and significant resources. However, schools frequently face limitations in workforce capacity, making it difficult to meet these demands. The solution lies not in adding more staff but in empowering the existing team with the right tools and training. This is where CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 solution comes into play.

A Digital Framework for Success

CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 solution offers a digital framework designed to simplify the implementation of interventions. By focusing on Skills and Environmental supports, this framework makes it easier for educators and staff to deliver the help students need. The framework is structured to guide staff through the process, ensuring that interventions are not only evidence-based but also practical and adaptable to the unique needs of each student.

With this digital approach, the barriers to delivering effective Tier 3 supports are significantly lowered. Staff can follow a clear, structured plan that outlines the necessary steps to support students, making the entire process more manageable. This approach maximizes the potential of the existing workforce, enabling more adults in the building to contribute to student success.

Skill Supports VS. Environmental Supports

When it comes to Tier 3 supports, students' needs often fall into two main categories: Skill Supports and Environmental Supports. Understanding the difference between these two approaches is crucial for effectively addressing the diverse challenges students face.

Skill Supports

For some students in need of Tier 3 support, the focus is on developing specific skills to address underlying mental health challenges. CharacterStrong’s Skill Supports are designed to help students who are struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, executive functioning, and trauma. The Tier 3 Solution includes a curriculum focused on these four areas, providing structured lessons and activities that equip students with the tools they need to overcome their struggles. The skill support content is founded on common elements of evidence-based practices to ensure effectiveness to address students underlying mental health needs. There are over 40 years of research on effective skill-focused supports for young people. 

The goal is to ease the burden on educators by providing scripted lesson plans, student workbooks, and a complete framework to facilitate high-quality, skill-focused sessions. For example, a student struggling with anxiety might engage in activities that help them develop cognitive reframing skills, thereby increasing their courage and confidence. This approach allows educators to deliver impactful sessions without having to create content from scratch, ensuring that students receive the support they need consistently and effectively.

Environmental Supports

On the other hand, some students require interventions that focus on the environments they are in rather than solely on their personal skill development. For these students, the first step is often the creation of a function-based behavior intervention plan. This plan includes strategies to help students apply their character in positive ways and teaches them replacement behaviors, prevention strategies, and responsive practices.

Environmental Supports allow educators to modify the school setting in ways that reinforce these replacement behaviors and responsive practices, making it easier for students to succeed. By focusing on the environment, educators can create a supportive atmosphere that aligns with the student's needs, helping them thrive in a more conducive learning environment.

Together, Skill Supports and Environmental Supports provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the varied needs of students requiring Tier 3 interventions. By equipping educators with the right tools and strategies, CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 Solution ensures that all students have the opportunity to overcome their challenges and succeed.

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Simplifying Interventions

The CharacterStrong Tier 3 framework is designed to take the complexity out of intervention implementation. Instead of relying solely on specialists, this framework allows a broader range of staff to step in and provide meaningful support. By breaking down interventions into manageable components, the framework empowers teachers, aides, and other school staff to deliver effective, research-based strategies.

This digital framework covers both Skills and Environmental supports, addressing the critical areas that influence student behavior and mental health. Skills supports focus on teaching students the social-emotional and behavioral skills they need to navigate challenges, while Environmental supports modify the school environment to better accommodate these students. Together, these elements create a comprehensive approach that is both scalable and sustainable.

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Ongoing Professional Development

One of the standout features of CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 solution is its commitment to ongoing professional development. Recognizing that staff need continuous support to implement these interventions effectively, CharacterStrong provides monthly training, coaching calls, free webinars and more. This ensures that educators are not only equipped with the initial tools but also have access to ongoing guidance and resources.

This professional development is integrated directly into the digital framework, making it easy for staff to access training and support whenever they need it. The ongoing nature of this PD helps build staff confidence and competence, ensuring that interventions are delivered consistently and effectively over time.

Empowering Schools to Meet Students' Needs

The combination of a digital framework and ongoing professional development sets CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 solution apart. It’s not just about providing a plan—it’s about ensuring that the plan is implementable, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of each student. By making interventions more accessible and easier to implement, CharacterStrong helps schools expand their capacity to deliver Tier 3 supports without the need to add more staff.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower the existing workforce with the right resources and training to meet students’ needs effectively. With CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 solution, schools can build a robust system of support that leverages the strengths of their entire team, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

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