System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive

Listen Again Ep 8: MTSS Isn’t a Thing—It’s a Framework

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System Shifters, this week, as we start to head into the new year, we are re-featuring one of our most eye-opening episodes because we keep hearing the same frustration from leaders: 

"We're doing MTSS, but nothing's changing."

 In this episode of System Shift, Dr. Gail and Dr. Mary Beth explore why Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) succeeds in some schools and fades in others. Spoiler: MTSS isn’t a checklist, a triangle, or an intervention. It’s a framework—one that must be clearly defined, aligned, and intentionally integrated to truly support all students and adults.

In This Episode:

  • Why MTSS is not a “thing” but a flexible, living framework
  • The danger of treating MTSS like a checklist or intervention tool
  • How clear definitions, shared language, and adult alignment drive success
  • Common pitfalls in implementation and what to do instead
  • Why integration—not isolation—is the key to sustainable systems

    • After listening you will understand why MTSS isn’t for “some” students—it’s for all. When treated as a guiding framework rather than a separate initiative, MTSS can unify academic, behavior, and SEL systems into a cohesive, student-centered structure that empowers adults and improves outcomes.

    Learn how to identify if you are “doing” MTSS as an isolated strategy or using it to connect and integrate your school’s work into one aligned, purpose-driven framework.

     

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    System Shift: Leading Change So Students ThriveBy Dr. Gail Angus, Dr. Leesa Huang, and Dr. Mary Beth Kropp