MTSS can serve as a true system of support, not just a sorting mechanism, for improving reading outcomes and Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown share how. Drawing from their book MTSS for Reading Improvement (published under Solution Tree), the conversation bridges the Science of Reading with practical systems-level decision making that supports teachers and students alike.

Rather than treating MTSS as a checklist of structures, Drs. Stollar & Brown emphasize fidelity to outcomes, prevention-first thinking, and instructional coherence across Tier 1, intervention, and leadership practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why MTSS often fails when it becomes a sorting system instead of a support system
2. How schools unintentionally undermine reading improvement by focusing on individual students too early
3. How the Simple View of Reading and the five essential reading skills can guide both prevention and intervention
4. What kinds of data actually support instructional decision-making, and which ones don’t
5. The role of leadership in creating a culture of vulnerability, collaboration, and shared responsibility
6. Why asking better questions leads to better instructional solutions

Resources:

1. Book: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar & Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)
2. FREE Resource: The Reading MTSS Reflection Guide
3. Book: Reading Assessment Done Right by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Stollar:

1. Website: www.readingscienceacademy.com/
2. Instagram: @ReadingScienceAcademy
3. Facebook: Stephanie Stollar Consulting
4. LinkedIn: Stephanie Stollar
5. Join Dr. Stollar’s Reading Science Academy Membership
6. The MTSS Collective

Connect with Dr. Sarah Brown:

1. Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/
2. Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her Website
3. LinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.
4. Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data Academy
5. Dr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!

Thank you to Express Readers for supporting the production of this episode.

Express Readers creates thoughtfully designed decodable texts that align with the Science of Reading and support developing readers at every stage. You can visit their website to learn more and grab a free sample to try with your students!

1. https://expressreaders.org/
2. Instagram: @expressreaders
3. LinkedIn: Express Readers
4. Facebook: Express Readers Inc.

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
2. Join our Facebook Community
3. Sign up for my Newsletter
4. Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
5. Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
6. Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

1. Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

1. Logos Literacy Academy
2. Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
3. Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
4. Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live

Mentioned in this episode:

Reading.com

Visit reading.com/color for 60% off the annual plan today!

Express Readers

Get your Free Decodable Book Sample today!