What happens when Tier 1 and Tier 2 aren’t enough? The realm of student support systems calls for intensive intervention, especially for a diverse student population facing persistent challenges.
Tier 3 interventions come into play when higher intensity is needed, addressing significant mental health concerns along with intense disruptive behavior that affects the learning environment and more. The school personnel, including school nurses, school counselors, social workers, and special education teachers become integral members of the team, implementing wraparound support to meet the intensive needs of students where they can implement individual counseling and monitor student progress through progress monitoring and data points. This approach addresses the behavioral needs and individual needs of students, dispelling common misconceptions and ensuring effective tier classification.
Before delving into Tier 3 strategies, it's essential for schools to first fortify their Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems. These foundational tiers are the backbone of any successful multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Tier 1 focuses on universal strategies that impact all students, such as establishing a positive school climate, teaching social-emotional skills, and creating inclusive environments. Tier 2 provides targeted interventions for students who need additional support, addressing specific needs that aren't fully met by the universal strategies in Tier 1.
When these tiers are weak or underdeveloped, the demand for Tier 3 interventions—intensive, individualized support—often increases. Schools may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of students needing specialized services, straining resources and staff. Strengthening Tier 1 and Tier 2 not only supports a greater number of students but also reduces the pressure on Tier 3 resources, ensuring they are available for the students who truly need them.
For school districts, understanding the importance of these tiers is crucial. A cooperative agreement with the federal government, such as those related to Title funding or special education programs, can provide schools with additional resources to enhance their Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems. This support is vital for creating a robust MTSS framework that addresses the needs of all students.
If your school or district is looking to enhance its capacity to support the Whole Child at the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels, we offer a range of solutions designed to equip your staff with the necessary tools and strategies. By investing in these foundational levels, you can proactively address potential issues, fostering a healthier, more supportive learning environment for all students.
Access our FREE Tier 2 Samples and Resources
Let’s imagine a school where Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems are robust, effectively supporting the majority of students. Despite this strong foundation, there will still be some students who require more intensive support. These individuals, who need Tier 3 interventions, often face unique challenges that extend beyond what can be addressed through the broader strategies of the first two tiers. For these students, personalized interventions are crucial for promoting success not only in school but also in their lives outside of school.
Tier 3 supports are designed to be highly individualized, addressing the specific needs of each student. In this context, it’s essential that interventions are proactive rather than reactive, anticipating challenges before they escalate. This proactive approach can significantly improve outcomes, helping students manage difficulties and build resilience. However, it’s important to recognize that a one-size-fits-all strategy is inadequate for meeting the diverse needs of students at this level. Each student’s situation is different, and their support plan should reflect that individuality.
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that effective Tier 3 interventions must be as unique as the students themselves. By tailoring these supports, schools can ensure that each student receives the specific guidance and resources they need to thrive. This personalized approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed in the long term.
Data is also important to understand and utilize. By analyzing data sources and benchmark criteria, schools can develop intervention plans that align with the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. This careful planning ensures that tiered support systems meet grade-level expectations and adhere to the privacy policy information laid out by the Office of Special Education Programs.
Access our FREE Tier 3 Samples and Resources
The school's leadership team, in collaboration with the IEP team and RTI team, should carefully plan intervention services tailored to the developmental disabilities and learning disabilities of students. The utilization of evidence-based practice from reputable sources like CharacterStrong ensures a strong foundation for tiered support.
We, at CharacterStrong, believe there are two types of interventions a student will need: Skill-based interventions and/or environmental interventions.
For some students in need of Tier 3 Support, it is more skill-focused. CharacterStrong’s skills supports were designed for students who are really struggling with underlying mental health needs. CharacterStrong’s Tier 3 Solution has a curriculum focused on four topics: Anxiety, Depression, Executive Functioning, and Trauma.
The goal here is to equip educators with professional learning but also enable them to access the content needed to deliver high-quality sill focused sessions. Our goal is to lower that burden and script it out for an educator, have student workbooks that outline the activities, and facilitate a learning experience to give the student a chance to overcome the struggles they are facing.
For example, if a student struggles with anxiety the lessons and activities within the Tier 3 curriculum would help the student to develop skills and increase courage and confidence by helping them learn new thinking skills like cognitive reframing as one example.
Some students need interventions to the school environments they’re in. The first thing this student needs is a Function-based behavior intervention plan. This comes with intervention strategies that help students put their character into action and teach them replacement behaviors, prevention strategies, and/or responsive practices. This allows educators to more skillfully respond and reinforce replacement or responsive practices.
Step 1: Assembling the Right Team - Role clarity and responsibility is key. Who can get these proactive interventions up and running so students can access them?
Step 2: Streamlining Decision-Making - Decision fatigue can impede effective intervention. It’s amazing what a very simple decision tree can do to make it easy to decide what type of support a student should receive. Is it an environmental intervention that is needed or is it more skill-based? This decision should be based on the “root cause” of the need.
Step 3: Equipping Educators - Providing educators with practical resources is instrumental in facilitating effective Tier 3 interventions. Accessible tools and professional development opportunities empower educators to confidently address student needs and deliver high-impact interventions.
CharacterStrong offers a comprehensive Tier 3 Solution designed to address both environmental and skill-based needs. The curriculum encompasses targeted interventions focusing on anxiety, depression, executive functioning, and trauma. By equipping educators with resources and professional learning opportunities, CharacterStrong empowers schools to effectively deliver Tier 3 supports and facilitate student growth and resilience.
Fostering student success through tiered support systems involves addressing the individual needs of students at various tiers. CharacterStrong's comprehensive Tier 3 Solution, designed with environmental and skill-based interventions, contributes significantly to this endeavor. The commitment to providing impactful resources ensures that schools can navigate the complexities of Tier 3 support and empower every student to thrive, aligning with the best way forward in education.
Click the following links to learn more about Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
Access our FREE Tier 3 Samples and Resources