Practical Handbook of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, First Edition

Rachel Brown-Chidsey, PhD, NCSP, is Senior Academic Officer for FastBridge Learning and a faculty member in the Department of Educational and School Psychology at the University of Southern Maine. Prior to obtaining her doctorate in school psychology, she taught middle and high school history and special education for 10 years. Her research areas include curriculum-based measurement, response to intervention (RTI), multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and scientifically based instruction methods. Dr. Brown is coeditor of Assessment for Intervention, Second Edition: A Problem-Solving Approach and coauthor of Response to Intervention, Second Edition: Principles and Strategies for Effective Practice; RTI in the Classroom: Guidelines and Recipes for Success; and Practical Handbook of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. In addition, Dr. Brown has authored articles about reading assessment and instruction as well as implementation of tiered instruction. She has consulted with numerous school districts to support RTI and MTSS implementation.Rebekah Bickford, PsyD, NCSP, BCBA-D, provides professional development, consultation, and evaluation to school districts throughout Southern Maine. Her work facilitates effective behavioral supports across the tiers, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and poverty. Before going into private practice, Dr. Bickford was a faculty member in the Educational and School Psychology Program at the University of Southern Maine, the clinical coordinator of a special purpose public school, and a program director for a special purpose private school.

"Brown-Chidsey and Bickford intertwine recent developments in prevention science, PBIS, and RTI. Their practical approach targets teachers and administrators working to implement MTSS. Both academic and behavior support approaches are covered, and emphasis is given to establishing teams that collect and use data for problem solving. I recommend this accessible resource for educators working to make schools more effective learning environments."--Robert H. Horner, PhD, Special Education Program (Emeritus), University of Oregon"What I really like about Brown-Chidsey and Bickford’s outstanding book is that it provides the 'why' as well as the 'how-to' of implementing MTSS. After offering a compelling argument for why these systems are essential to successful schools, it comprehensively explains the nuts and bolts of implementation. Particularly useful and unique is the extensive coverage of standards-aligned and differentiated instruction at Tier 1, and the nuances of intervening in Tiers 2 and 3 and special education. I would definitely use this book in a graduate-level course in consultation or interventions."--Joseph F. Kovaleski, DEd, NCSP, Professor Emeritus of Educational and School Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania"Professional learning communities would easily be able to read and use this book to improve existing team meetings and 'data days.' Practical examples and multiple case studies make this the perfect guide for school teams implementing an MTSS model. Brown-Chidsey and Bickford have identified critical components that schools need to take their student support to the next level. The book does an excellent job of describing the intersections between MTSS and other programming."--Sarah Brown, PhD, Chief, Bureau of Learner Strategies and Supports, Iowa Department of Education"This book presents a systems-level approach that will help schools meet the needs of each learner. It is a great resource for district and school leadership teams who need to move beyond the technical skills of RTI to create an MTSS that is woven into the fabric of a school."--Jennifer Knutson, PhD, Executive Director, Professional Learning, Anchorage School District, Alaska -

• 1. Introduction: Overview of This BookI. Prevention Science in Schools2. Prevention as a Public Education Value3. The Importance of Details4. Risk Factors and Student Success5. What to Teach in the Era of the Common Core State StandardsII. The Importance of Collaboration and Teams6. The Essential Role of Teams in Supporting All Students7. The Logistics of Setting Up and Running Effective School Teams8. Effective Team Processing: Using Data and a Problem-Solving ApproachIII. Making Change Happen9. The Science of Change10. Exploration, Adoption, and Installation11. Implementation12. Innovation and Sustainability13. SchedulesIV. Effective Instruction within an MTSS14. What Is Effective Instruction?15. The Instructional Hierarchy16. Effective Instruction for Students Who Are ELLs17. Treatment Integrity18. Critical Mass: Why 80% Student Success MattersV. MTSS Organizational Structure19. Universal Screening20. Problem Solving21. Progress Monitoring22. Understanding Student DataVI. Connecting an MTSS with Other Supports23. What Is Tier 3?24. Education for All25. Recognition and Support for Disabilities: Section 504 Plans and Special Education26. Case Example: Building Tiered SupportsGlossary of Important MTSS TermsReferencesIndex