---
title: What is MTSS?
description: MTSS stands for multi-tiered system of supports. It’s a framework many schools use to give targeted support to struggling students. Read about the MTSS model and process.
slug: mtss-what-you-need-to-know
author: Peg Rosen
reviewer: Melody Musgrove, EdD
published: '2019-08-05T15:01:05.283Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/1SijUbD79nxNDaNMqjgMN9/d8f16a4c0fc8bc9610af538474a540b2/G1271251927.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/mtss-what-you-need-to-know
lang: en
---

# What is MTSS?

MTSS stands for multi-tiered system of supports. It’s a framework many schools use to give targeted support to struggling students. You may also hear it called the MTSS framework, the MTSS process, or the MTSS model. 

MTSS is designed to help schools identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child.” That means it supports academic growth, but many other areas, too. These include behavior, social and emotional needs, and absenteeism (not attending school).

The tiers of support are a huge part of MTSS. They get more intense from one level to the next. For example, a child getting small group interventions may need to “move up” to one-on-one help.

MTSS supports the adults at the school, too. The [Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/every-student-succeeds-act-essa-what-you-need-to-know) — the main education law for public schools — cites MTSS as a way to increase teacher effectiveness. ESSA gives states funding that can be used for professional development to help teachers use MTSS.

MTSS [isn’t the same thing](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/whats-the-difference-between-rti-and-mtss) as response to intervention (RTI). MTSS is more comprehensive. But it may *include *the three tiers of RTI.

---

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