Understanding MTSS and IEPs: A Guide for North Carolina Parents

As a parent navigating the complexities of the education system, you’ve likely encountered various acronyms and specialized terms. One that has become increasingly important in North Carolina’s schools is MTSS, which stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Understanding what MTSS is, how it operates at your child’s school, and how it interacts with the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process is crucial, especially if your child needs extra help to succeed academically, socially, or behaviorally.

At ConnectEd Advocates, we believe in empowering parents with the knowledge to advocate effectively for their children. Here’s everything you need to know about the MTSS framework, the 2020 law mandating its implementation in North Carolina, and how it connects with the IEP process.

WHAT IS MTSS?

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework designed to provide targeted support to students based on their specific needs. It integrates various forms of assistance, including academic interventions, behavioral strategies, and social-emotional support, to help students thrive in the classroom.

MTSS is structured around three tiers:

- Tier 1: Universal support for all students, including high-quality instruction and school-wide practices.

- Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support beyond what is provided in Tier 1.

- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant needs.

This framework allows schools to identify struggling students early and provide them with the help they need before issues escalate. Importantly, MTSS is not just for students with disabilities; it’s a proactive approach to support all students

THE MTSS TEAM: WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO

Each school implementing MTSS has a dedicated team responsible for overseeing the process. The MTSS team typically includes:

- Administrators: Principals or assistant principals who provide leadership and ensure the MTSS framework aligns with school-wide goals.

- General Education Teachers: They bring insight into students' day-to-day classroom performance.

- Special Education Teachers: Experts in designing and implementing individualized supports.

- School Psychologists and Counselors: They focus on the social-emotional and behavioral aspects of student support.

- Intervention Specialists: These professionals develop and monitor targeted interventions for students who need extra help.

- Parents and Guardians: You are a vital part of the MTSS team, providing valuable insights into your child’s needs and advocating for their success.

The MTSS team meets regularly to review student data, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and adjust strategies as needed. Their goal is to ensure that every student receives the appropriate level of support to succeed.

NORTH CAROLINA’S COMMITMENT TO MTSS: THE 2020 MANDATE

In 2020, North Carolina took a significant step forward by requiring the implementation of MTSS in all public schools. This mandate is rooted in the State Board of Education’s policy (Policy ID: MTSS-001), which formalized the requirement for a statewide adoption of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Before this mandate, schools had varying levels of support systems in place, but there was no consistent statewide framework to ensure that all students received the help they needed. The implementation of the MTSS policy standardized how schools identify and support students struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially.

KEY CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE POLICY INCLUDE:

1. Uniformity Across Schools: The MTSS mandate ensures that every public school in North Carolina follows the same guidelines and practices for student support. This consistency is crucial for students who move between schools or districts, ensuring they receive continuous and appropriate interventions.

2. Proactive and Preventive Approach: The law emphasizes early identification and intervention, which means schools are now required to address potential learning or behavioral issues as soon as they are identified. This shift reduces the likelihood of problems escalating to the point where more intensive special education services might be needed.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Schools must use data to monitor student progress and adjust interventions accordingly. This ensures that support is tailored to the individual needs of each student, making interventions more effective.

4. Increased Accountability: The policy holds schools accountable for implementing the MTSS framework with fidelity. Schools are required to regularly assess the effectiveness of their interventions and make necessary adjustments to improve student outcomes.

MTSS & THE IEP PROCESS: WORKING TOGETHER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

One common misconception is that MTSS and IEPs are mutually exclusive, but that’s not the case. In fact, the MTSS process is often a critical step in determining whether a student might be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Here’s how the two systems interact:

- MTSS as a Prerequisite: In many cases, before a student is referred for special education evaluation, they must go through the MTSS process. The interventions provided in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 help to determine if a student’s difficulties can be addressed with general education support or if a more specialized approach, such as an IEP, is needed.

- Dual Eligibility: It’s entirely possible for a student to receive support through both MTSS and an IEP. For example, a student might have an IEP that addresses specific learning disabilities but still benefit from Tier 2 or Tier 3 MTSS interventions for behavioral or social-emotional support. The MTSS framework is flexible and designed to complement, not replace, the individualized support provided by an IEP.

- Continuous Support: Even after a student is deemed eligible for an IEP, they may continue to receive MTSS interventions alongside their special education services. This dual approach ensures that the student is receiving comprehensive support tailored to all aspects of their learning and development.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Understanding the interplay between MTSS and IEPs is crucial for parents and guardians advocating for their child. Knowing that these systems work together—and that your child can benefit from both—empowers you to seek the best possible support for your child’s unique needs.

At ConnectEd Advocates, we are committed to helping you navigate these systems effectively. Whether you’re at the beginning of the MTSS process, pursuing an IEP, or managing both, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure your child receives the support they deserve to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Contact us today for your FREE CONSULTATION