Demystifying Tier 2: A Critical Part of the RTI Framework

For students struggling academically or behaviorally in school, targeted Tier 2 interventions can provide the necessary scaffolding for them to successfully meet grade-level expectations. As the secondary tier of support within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) or response to intervention (RTI) model, Tier 2 plays an integral yet often misunderstood role.

The Evolution of MTSS Systems

MTSS emerged gradually over decades of educational research and legislation focused on improving outcomes for all learners. Key milestones include:

• 1965: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides federal funding to help disadvantaged students. This paved the way for future RTI-related policies.

• 1975: IDEA legislation guarantees students with disabilities access to public education.

• 2001: No Child Left Behind increases school accountability for results. RTI is allowed as an alternative to identifying learning disabilities.

• 2004: IDEA reauthorized allowing up to 15% of special education funds going towards early intervention RTI models.

This legislation helped shift mindsets from a "wait to fail" model to one of early intervention and prevention through systems like RTI.

What‘s the Logic Behind Tier 2 Interventions?

Tier 2 builds upon strong Tier 1 core instruction to provide targeted supports aligned with students‘ specific needs. The rationale is:

• Students struggling in core instruction need more opportunities to practice priority skills in order to master them.

• Small group interventions allow for more focused, individualized teaching and feedback.

• Catching students early before issues increase prevents later learning disabilities.

• Targeted support enables students to be successful in the mainstream classroom.

Research shows small group tutoring and instruction to be highly effective for at-risk learners when aligned with classroom teaching. Tier 2 interventions embody this evidence-based approach.

Examples of Research-Based Tier 2 Intervention Programs

While schools have flexibility in designing Tier 2 supports, research-validated programs provide a solid foundation. Examples include:

Literacy Interventions

• Leveled Literacy Intervention – Small group reading support targeting comprehension, fluency, writing, and more. Lessons are matched to students‘ skill levels.

• Lindamood Bell – Focuses on phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Certified clinicians administer.

Math Interventions

• Do The Math – Builds conceptual understanding and problem solving ability through intensive small group instruction. Aligned with Common Core standards.

• Math Navigator – Identifies skill gaps using diagnostics and provides targeted instruction to fill learning holes. Uses manipulatives and visual models.

Behavior Interventions

• Check-In/Check-Out – Students check in with an adult mentor in the morning and afternoon to receive support, feedback, and point rewards on goals.

• Social Skills Clubs – Teaches social skills through modeling, role playing, and feedback. Covers skills like listening, empathy, cooperation, problem solving.

Determining Which Students Need Tier 2 Supports

School RTI teams use academic and behavior data to identify students for Tier 2 interventions. Key indicators include:

• Scoring below grade level benchmarks on curriculum-based measures or state assessments
• Displaying poor learning gaps, such as difficulties with reading fluency or math computation
• Showing lack of response to high-quality Tier 1 instruction
• Having minor behavioral incidents or missed social skill cues

Additionally, teacher and parent input provides context to support RTI team decision making. Teams also consider subpopulation trends, being mindful of overidentifying historically disadvantaged groups.

Monitoring Students and Adapting Supports

Progress monitoring is essential for Tier 2 success. Students receiving interventions are regularly assessed, usually biweekly or monthly, using curriculum-based measures. RTI teams analyze and review progress monitoring data points, adjusting interventions as needed based on student response.

Decision rules help guide next steps. For example, after 6-8 weeks of targeted intervention, students could:

• Return to Tier 1 if achieving sufficient progress

• Continue Tier 2 supports if showing expected improvement

• Receive more intensive Tier 3 intervention due to minimal progress

This data-based approach ensures students receive the level of support they actually need to grow.

Scheduling Time for Interventions

Creative scheduling provides students sufficient time in their daily routine for Tier 2 small group instruction. Examples include:

• Intervention Blocks – Designate 30-60 minute periods 1-2 times per day for Tier 2 and 3 activities. Have flexible student groupings.

• Classroom Pull-outs – Pull small groups during class time for short skill-focused sessions with interventionists. Use rotating schedule to vary time missed.

• Enrichment Rotations – Students rotate between three stations: teacher small group, collaborative activity, and technology practice. Tier 2 happens in small group time.

Sample Intervention Block Schedule

Time	Period 1	Period 2	Period 3
8:00-8:30			Tier 3 Interventions
8:30-9:00		Tier 2 Interventions
9:00-9:30	Tier 2 Interventions
9:30-10:00			Tier 2 Interventions

Training Teachers and Interventionists

Successfully delivering Tier 2 supports requires professional development for teachers and interventionists on:

• Analyzing data to group students and plan targeted lessons
• Learning research-based intervention programs and strategies
• Using differentiation, scaffolding, modeling, feedback, and other effective small group techniques
• Monitoring student progress and adjusting supports accordingly
• Collaborating and communicating as an RTI team

Many schools have specialized reading, math, or behavior interventionists who provide Tier 2 and 3 services. They should have training in their concentration area, whether through certification, a graduate degree program, or intensive professional development.

Comparison at Different Grade Levels

While Tier 2 implementation follows similar principles across grades, some considerations exist:

• Elementary – Focused on reading, math, writing, and behavior. Pull-outs are common. Interventionists push-in to classrooms.

• Middle School – Academic and organizational skills addressed. Content literacy important. Can pull students from electives or use advisory periods.

• High School – Credit recovery options for failed courses. Supports embedded into content classes. Target planning, time management and behavioral skills.

The key is offering research-based programs tailored to developmental levels. Tier 2 must evolve with student needs.

Case Study: Clements Elementary School

Let‘s look at how one elementary school implemented Tier 2 interventions:

• Leadership established schoolwide RTI system and intervention block schedule

• Teachers administered universal screeners and monitored progress of at-risk students

• Struggling students received 30 minute daily Tier 2 literacy and math interventions in small groups

• Specialists pushed-in for Tier 2 supports during classroom time

• Data meetings held biweekly to evaluate interventions

Over three years, Clements saw improved reading and math scores, reduced special education referrals, and higher engagement during Tier 1 instruction. Tier 2 supports played an integral role in this turnaround.

Engaging Parents in the Process

Partnerships with parents are vital for Tier 2 success. Schools must communicate:

• If/why their child needs more support

• Specific Tier 2 goals and interventions

• Ways to practice skills at home

• Progress monitoring results and growth

Parents assist by reinforcing skills at home and communicating with teachers. Together these connections motivate student improvement.

Sustaining a Strong MTSS System

With continuous data analysis, staff collaboration, and refinement, schools can build increasing capacity for Tier 2 instruction over time. Maintain focus by:

• Providing ongoing staff professional development

• Regularly evaluating Tier 1 instruction

• Using RTI team meetings to problem-solve challenges

• Monitoring fidelity of interventions

• Gathering staff and family feedback

• Reviewing student outcomes and growth

With a sustained commitment to implementation of quality Tier 1, 2 and 3 supports, schools can realize the full benefits of an MTSS framework – positive outcomes for all students. Tier 2 is central to this process.