Invest state discretionary dollars in early intervention systems such as MTSS to reduce later intensive supports¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

State leaders recommended using state discretionary dollars to fund initiatives strengthening connections between general and special education, such as multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), in which LEAs develop intervention systems supporting all struggling students, not just students with disabilities. The report states that "the preventative effects of intervention systems can yield a significant return on investment by improving student outcomes and reducing more intensive (and expensive) supports a student might otherwise need later on."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• State discretionary dollars available for investment in early intervention and prevention-oriented support systems

Constraints¶

• The report also advises states to ensure MFS calculations include only funds made available for special education and related services, so schoolwide interventions are not counted toward MFS

Target Learners¶

• All struggling students, including students with disabilities and students without disabilities

Target Learning Goals¶

• Improving student outcomes and reducing need for later intensive and expensive supports

Related Strategies¶

• Organize student well-being supports through a three-tier MTSS with universal screening
• Sustain statewide MTSS by staying the course: invest in district-level capacity and an integrated three-tier model
• Response To Intervention
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• Sustain and resource statewide PBIS scale-up with emphasis on advanced-tier implementation support
• Organize integrated support systems as universal, supplemental, and intensive tiers
• MTSS wraparound services with adequate counseling ratios and continuous improvement monitoring
• State-level advocacy actions to strengthen school improvement supports for identified schools

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Krausen, K., Caparas, R., Ripma, T., & Willis, J. (2020). Strategic resource allocation for the 21st century: How state leaders can address the silent recession. WestEd. https://www.wested.org/resources/strategic-resource-allocation/