Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary schools can be challenging but rewarding, and it can offer comprehensive benefits to students and staff. The Lippit-Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change provides a systematic guide for MTSS implementation by focusing on six essential elements: vision, consensus, skills, incentives, resources, and an action plan. Addressing each of these components can eliminate common obstacles to change and foster a supportive school environment (Knoster, 1991; Reynolds, 2023).
Why MTSS Matters in Secondary Education
Secondary schools have unique challenges when it comes to MTSS implementation, including the complexity of student needs and a more rigid schedule with multiple class transitions. MTSS offers a structured approach to address these, benefiting students academically, behaviorally, and socially. Below, we outline how each element of the Lippit-Knoster Model applies to MTSS in secondary settings, with practical steps and resources.
Vision: Establishing Purpose and Scope
A well-defined, shared vision is foundational to MTSS success. As Jimerson, Burns, and VanDerHeyden (2016) emphasize, an unclear vision can hinder MTSS implementation, especially in high schools that have complex student needs. For instance, a high school’s MTSS vision might focus on reducing dropout rates, increasing graduation rates, or supporting student mental health. Aligning MTSS with school goals ensures the MTSS model is tailored to student needs, so its outcomes will be impactful.
Resource Spotlight: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s MTSS resources offer exemplary guidance on implementing MTSS, which can be customized to individual school priorities (Briesch et al., 2020).
Consensus: Building a Collaborative Culture
Achieving consensus is vital for fostering a collaborative environment in which teachers, students, parents, and administrators support MTSS goals. An effective strategy for building consensus is “data storytelling,” which frames school data in meaningful ways. Visual and narrative presentations of data can help convey the purpose and benefits of MTSS and can help build a shared understanding and commitment (Curry, 2021).
Resource Spotlight: Edutopia’s guide to consensus-building strategies for school leaders provides frameworks for creating data stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Education Week created charts are based on Panorama’s State of MTSS 2023 Survey. Consider using these as the foundation, along with your school’s data, to tell your MTSS story.
Skills: Equipping Educators for MTSS Success
Equipping educators with the right skills is essential for the effective implementation of MTSS, which relies on a set of specific competencies across various roles within the school. These include skills in using data analysis, identifying and administering tiered interventions, and adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs. The Lippit-Knoster Model emphasizes that having the necessary skills can help to relieve staff anxiety and uncertainty, which are common barriers to successful MTSS adoption. A well-structured professional development program that is tailored to MTSS competencies can ensure educators feel confident and prepared to apply MTSS effectively in the classroom.
Resource Spotlight: The MTSS training series by School Resources to Support Military-Connected Students offers short, focused MTSS training sessions that are helpful for working with diverse student populations.
Incentives: Motivating Engagement and Participation
Offering incentives can help foster engagement with MTSS by highlighting its positive impacts on school culture and student outcomes. For example, using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which aligns with MTSS principles, can demonstrate how structured support may decrease disciplinary incidents and enhance the school climate. Studies like Elrod et al. (2021) show that PBIS’s focus on positivity and support correlates with fewer behavior incidents and improved teacher buy-in.
Resource Spotlight: Data from studies, such as those on PBIS effectiveness, can serve as incentives for educators by illustrating the tangible benefits of MTSS implementation.
Resources: Ensuring Comprehensive Support Systems
A successful MTSS model requires a strategic alignment of resources to support students and educators across all tiers of intervention. The Lippit-Knoster Model emphasizes the importance of accessible resources and notes that missing resources can lead to frustration and implementation challenges. According to Reynolds (2023), schools that prioritize strategic resource planning experience smoother MTSS integration and encourage staff to remain focused on student outcomes rather than logistical issues.
Resource Spotlight: The Continuum of Evidence by the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State is a helpful tool that categorizes interventions by efficacy and target demographics. Additionally, evidence-based intervention platforms such as What Works Clearinghouse and Evidence for ESSA provide rigorous evaluations of interventions, allowing schools to select the most effective, research-backed programs.
Action Plan: Charting a Path for Sustainable MTSS Implementation
Creating and using a detailed action plan can be essential for sustaining MTSS implementation. The MTSS Center’s planning guides for middle and high schools outline critical considerations and offer guiding questions tailored to each educational level. These documents are helpful for planning phases, structuring interventions, and evaluating progress, which can help to ensure MTSS remains adaptable to school-specific needs.
Resource Spotlight: The MTSS Center’s action plan documents help organize implementation strategies that are tailored to meet the unique needs of middle schools and high schools.
Summary: Using the Lippit-Knoster Model to successfully implement an MTSS framework
The Lippit-Knoster Model provides a structured framework for managing MTSS implementation in secondary schools. Addressing vision, consensus, skills, incentives, resources, and action plans helps establish a robust foundation for MTSS that can be sustained over time. When fully implemented, MTSS improves student academic and behavioral outcomes and fosters a positive, inclusive school environment where students and staff thrive together.
Next Steps and Resources
Ready to implement MTSS? The MTSS Check-Up is a flexible toolkit that allows school personnel to create an MTSS framework that is effective for their needs.
Have you tried implementing MTSS at your school? Share your experiences and insights with us here.
Reference(s):
Briesch, A. M., Chafouleas, S. M., Nissen, K., & Long, S. (2020). A review of state-level procedural guidance for implementing multitiered systems of support for behavior (MTSS-B). Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 22(3), 131-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300719884707
Curry, V. (2021, April 21). A consensus-building strategy for school leaders. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/consensus-building-strategy-school-leaders
Durrance, S. (2023). Implementing MTSS in secondary schools: Challenges and strategies. Comprehensive Center Network. https://region6cc.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ImplementingMTSSinSecondarySchools_2022_RC6_003.pdf
Elrod, B. G., Rice, K. G., & Meyers, J. (2021). PBIS fidelity, school climate, and student discipline: A longitudinal study of secondary schools. Psychology in the Schools, 59(2), 318-335. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22614
Jimerson, S.R., Burns, M.K., & VanDerHeyden, A.M. (2016). Handbook of response to intervention: The science and practice of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (2nd ed.). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7568-3
Reynolds, K. B. (2023). Implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports in public schools to improve student behavior indicators and mental health (Doctoral dissertation, Southern Nazarene University). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2809324280