Academic Supports for Students (Formerly Known as RtI) 

At Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), we use research-based interventions to help students improve academically.  

Our multi-level system of support (MLSS) framework involves using data (such as district-wide assessments) to identify students who are struggling in the areas of literacy, mathematics, or written expression. Once students are identified, interventions are put into place to help students progress toward meeting academic benchmarks.  
 

Multiple Levels of Support 

Differing levels of support are available based on student needs. MPS uses a three-tiered structure: 

Tier 1: Universal Instruction 

This is what ALL students receive in the classroom every day. Teachers work to implement high-quality instruction that is differentiated for learners. 

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions 

Scientific, research-based support is implemented for students who are not meeting expectations. This is usually done in small group settings.  

Tier 3: Intensive Interventions 

Tier 3 interventions are for students who do not respond to Tier 2 for support. These include more frequent support that is individualized for each student’s needs. If a student is still struggling after Tier 3 intervention, they may be referred for a special education evaluation.  

MLSS Process 

Regularly checking student progress with interventions requires a clear, organized process. Different tools and data help teachers understand each student’s skill level, how they respond to classroom instruction, and whether the extra support they receive is working. 

Step 1: Screen 

A universal screening process involves analyzing data to determine whether each student is likely to meet, not meet, or exceed academic benchmarks. The process begins with universal screener data to first determine if a change in the core curriculum and instruction is needed, especially if fewer than 80% of all students are meeting academic expectations. 

Step 2: Diagnose 

After it is confirmed that specific students need additional support, staff members figure out each student's area of need, establish their baseline, and set a target goal. 

Step 3: Match 

Teachers then determine which interventions, strategies, or techniques are best fitted for the individual student's needs. They discuss what each student needs to reach their goals.  

Step 5: Monitor Progress 

Progress monitoring is used to assess students’ performance on an ongoing basis, to measure student improvement or responsiveness to instruction, and to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction.  

Step 6: Evaluate 

Staff members use data regularly to determine how a student is responding to intervention. This allows them to determine whether the student's individual needs are being met or if an adjustment needs to be made to better support the student.