Every Student, Every Tier: Making MTSS Work in Elementary Math
In education, there’s no shortage of acronyms—but few hold as much promise (and confusion) as MTSS: Multi-Tiered System of Supports. While most educators are familiar with using MTSS in reading, math is often the neglected sibling. Yet when done well, a strong MTSS framework in math can change everything—from student outcomes to instructional clarity to equitable access.
And spoiler alert: math needs MTSS just as much as reading does.
📊 Why Math Deserves a Seat at the MTSS Table
Reading intervention gets most of the spotlight in early grades, but math should be right there beside it. A strong foundation in math not only builds confidence and academic resilience—it’s actually been shown to positively impact reading scores too (Nelson et al., 2020).
Still, up to 35% of students struggle with basic math concepts as early as elementary school (Mazzocco, 2007)—and that number may be underreported. Too often, we wait to “intervene” until we feel like students have “caught up” in reading - and let’s be real, that takes years! MTSS offers a better way forward: flexible, data-informed, and tiered to meet students before they fall.
Tier 1: Strong Core Instruction Is the First Intervention
The strength of your MTSS model depends on Tier 1. Period.
Tier 1 is about high-quality, standards-based instruction delivered to all students. It’s not just “universal instruction”—it’s foundational instruction that’s evidence-based, applies the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and designed to work for the vast majority of learners.
Effective Tier 1 in math means:
Aligning instruction to content and practice standards
Integrating formative assessment
Using small group reteaching as part of universal access (yes, small group can be Tier 1!)
Leveraging strategies like scaffolding and discourse
Strengthening number sense, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving—not just procedures
Strong Tier 1 math reduces the number of students who require additional support—but only if we get it right.
📎 Want more detail? Download the white paper:
➡️ Enhancing Mathematics Achievement Through a District-Implemented MTSS Framework (PDF)
Tier 2: Targeted Support, Not One-Size-Fits-All
For students who aren’t responding to Tier 1 alone, Tier 2 offers targeted, skill-specific interventions. Think small groups working on a clearly defined priority need—like place value, computation strategies, or multi-step problems.
Keys to effective Tier 2 math:
Identify priority skill gaps using diagnostics
Use progress monitoring that targets the same skills being taught
Stick with it—interventions aren’t drive-by instruction
Adjust supports based on data (weekly or biweekly)
Ensure Tier 2 is in addition to, not instead of, Tier 1
Too often, students with occasional math struggles are misclassified or overserved. A strong Tier 2 process prevents over-referral by being precise and purposeful.
Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized, and Data-Driven
When Tier 1 + Tier 2 still aren’t enough, Tier 3 steps in with more intensity—not more of the same.
At Tier 3, instruction may include:
1:1 or very small groups
Increased time (duration), frequency, or both
Very explicit and systematic instruction
Highly customized materials aligned to student needs
Regular review of progress monitoring data to fine-tune instruction
Students receiving Tier 3 support may also receive special education services—but eligibility status does not define tier level. Supports should match student needs, not labels.
✅ MTSS Success = Systems + Mindsets
An MTSS framework is more than tiers—it’s a system built on problem-solving, resource alignment, and data-based decision making. And when done well, the impact is tangible.
What makes MTSS in math work?
✔️ Instructionally sound Tier 1 practices
✔️ Clear roles and routines across tiers
✔️ Frequent, focused progress monitoring
✔️ Collaboration between general education, interventionists, and special education
✔️ Leadership that prioritizes time, training, and tools
This is how we build confident, competent math learners—at every tier.
🔗 Want to Go Deeper?
I wrote a full white paper with research, examples, and implementation tips to support schools and districts adopting MTSS for K–5 math.
📥 Download here:
Enhancing Mathematics Achievement Through MTSS (PDF)
Let’s stop using a reading-based MTSS model for math and start designing supports that work for how math is learned and taught.
Need help making MTSS in math a reality in your district?
Let’s talk about professional learning, coaching, and support services that build capacity across all three tiers.
👉 www.GrowingMindsConsulting.com
