Three Tier Instructional Model
                                   
The Three Tier Instructional Model was adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE Policy IEI) on January 21, 2005. It is designed to meet the needs of every student and consists of three tiers of instruction:
 
            Tier 1: Quality classroom instruction based on MS Curriculum Frameworks. 
            Tier 2: Focused supplemental instruction. 
Tier 3: Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students. 
 
If strategies at Tiers 1 & 2 are unsuccessful, students must be referred to the Teacher Support Team (TST). The TST is the problem-solving unit responsible for interventions developed at Tier 3. Each school must have a Teacher Support Team implemented in accordance with the process developed by the Mississippi Department of Education.
                                                                       
Tier I: Quality classroom instruction based on MS Curriculum Frameworks                                   
·         Universal screening of academic and behavior          
·         Scientifically based research instruction        
·         Effective instruction
§ Differentiated instruction
§ Effective classroom management
                                   
Tier II: Focused supplemental instruction                            
·         Describes the academic and behavioral strategies, methodologies, and practices designed for students who are not making progress
·         Scientifically based research or evidence-based interventions          
 
Tier III: Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students                            
·         TST level of intervention       
·         Interventions at this level are intensive and targeted to specific deficiency areas for the individual student’s needs          
·         Differences between Tier 2 and Tier 3 are not the interventions, but the frequency, duration and progress monitoring requirements of Tier 3
 
  Frequently Asked Questions  
1. What is the Three Tier Model?
 
·         A systematic approach for providing student interventions.
·         Identifies struggling students BEFORE they fall behind.
·         Provides struggling students with support throughout the educational process.
 
2. What is an intervention?
 
·         Any action that differs from the current instruction in the student’s regular academic program.
 
3. What is the Teacher Support Team?
 
·         A group of education professionals that function as “Tier III” of the Three Tier Instructional Model required of all schools.
·         A group that analyzes student referral data and prescribes appropriate behavioral or instructional interventions to help students be successful in regular academic classrooms.
 
4. Where can I find more information?
 
·         The Mississippi State Department of Education website offers a wealth of information. Please visit http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/acad1/programs/tst/
 
5. Who can I contact if I have a question?
 
            Dr. Janice Wilson
            Biloxi Public School District
            P.O. Box 168
            Biloxi, Mississippi 39533
            Phone: 228-374-1810 x 129