MTSS stands for multi-tiered system of supports, which is a framework that many schools use to provide targeted support to struggling students. The goal of MTSS is to intervene early so students can catch up with their peers. It screens all students and aims to address academic and behavior challenges. MTSS is designed to help schools identify struggling students early and intervene quickly. It focuses on the “whole child,” supporting academic growth, behavior, social and emotional needs, and absenteeism. The tiers of support are a huge part of MTSS. They get more intense from one level to the next, and the framework is comprised of four essential components: screening, progress monitoring, multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision making. MTSS is not the same thing as response to intervention (RTI), but it may include the three tiers of RTI. MTSS supports the adults at the school, too, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) cites MTSS as a way to increase teacher effectiveness.