Below are resources created and vetted by our research group. We regularly write articles and create visuals to help educator understand and apply the school counselor role in MTSS.
MTSS RESOURCES
Below are resources created and vetted by our research group. We regularly write articles and create visuals to help educators understand and apply the school counselor role in MTSS.
What is MTSS?
MTSS is generally described as a prevention-based framework (process, approach, organization) for enhancing the development and implementation of a continuum of evidence-based practices and achieving academically and behaviorally important outcomes for all students (McIntosh & Goodman, 2016).
Individualized, function-based,
highly specific, for a few students.
Intensive Intervention
Targeted Intervention
Supplemental, to reduce risk, for some students.
Universal Prevention
Core instruction, preventive in nature, for all students.
School Counselor's Role in MTSS
TIER 1
TIER 2
TIER 3
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Lead counseling programs to promote positive school culture & reinforce school expectations.
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Examine data; conduct school-wide interventions & initiatives.
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Coordinate culturally responsive parent engagement & staff development.
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Examine MTSS data; conduct individual & small group academic, career, social/emotional interventions.
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Consult with teachers, parents, and administrators.
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Assist in creating and implementing behavior plans.
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Provide short-term individualized crisis support; consult with teachers.
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Serve as critical member of student services and problem solving teams.
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Assist in referral process to outside agencies.
TIER 1
National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH): Website
Excellent resources on school mental health, universal screening, the SHAPE system and training.
National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH): Screening Guide
The go-to guide for planning and implementing universal screening.
SAMSA: Ready, Set Go Behavioral Screening Manual
Written in 2019, SAMSA provides a document outlining how to be ready, set and then to go with US.
School based Mental Health Collaborative: Screening Guide
Developed by researchers in WI and FL, this comprehensive screening guide contains resources and an implementation checklist.
Using Universal Screening for Early Identification of Students at Risk
Donohue, Goodman-Scott and Betters-Bubon highlight a case study of one school district that successfully engaged in US.
Counseling Today: Universal Screening Article
Goodman-Scott, Donohue and Betters-Bubon created a 'how to' guide for the American Counseling Association monthly magazine.
TIERS 2/3
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Targeted Interventions Reference Guide Map (Algozzine et al., 2019)
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Culturally Sustaining Approach to Tier 2 Groups (Olsen et al., 2023)
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Daily Progress Report (DPR)​
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MTSS Tier 2 Action Planning Template (Olsen, 2021)
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Tier 2 Systems Guide (PBIS, 2025)
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Counseling Group Fidelity Assessment (Dickey, 2020)-Coming soon!
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Critical Features of Tier 2 Interventions Self-Assessment (Olsen & Joseph, 2024): Coming soon!