What is Ellis School’s Student Success Team?

Ellis School believes in the effectiveness of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for students. This means that we provide three different levels of support, allowing us to meet all students’ needs, interests, and abilities and to foster a personalized learning environment. At all levels of this system, data is collected and analyzed to determine the best course of instruction and/or intervention for each student.

MTSS’ three levels

Tier 1 Foundational Core Instruction - All student recieve diffentiated, personalized and competency-aligned instruction within the regular education classroom.

Tier 2 Strategic Support - Students who require a specific intervention for academic, behavioral and/or social-emotional targeted skills because they are below grade level as identified by universal screening measures.

Tier 3 Intensive Support - Students who are not responding adequately to components of Tier 1 instruction and Tier 2 supports are provided research-based interventions that are implemented with a high degree of fidelity.

What tiers are my child accessing?

All students are provided Tier 1 instruction and support. Students who struggle (with academics, behavior, and/or social-emotional skills) in the classroom are provided classroom interventions. If concerns continue, the teacher refers the student to the SST, the targeted Tier 2 team. SST meets to determine what additional interventions will support student needs. Parents/guardians are then encouraged to fill out the Parent/Guardian Information Form and to meet with members of the team as integral contributors to this process, as students at this level are part of Tier 1 and 2.

Who is on the Student Success Team?

The full SST is composed of the principal, assistant principal, director of special services, school counselors, school psychologist, special education and classroom teachers, and other school professionals as needed. These individuals meet frequently to discuss the MTSS process. This does not mean that all of these people will attend your child’s meeting, though. Your child’s meeting will likely include one administrator, one counselor, the classroom teacher, and you! 

What is an SST meeting like?

SST meetings are informal yet follow a consistent agenda lasting approximately thirty minutes. We are all working toward the shared goal of helping your child succeed in school, so our conversation is directed toward that objective. You will have a chance to speak about your child and your concerns, the teacher will share his/her experiences with your child in the classroom, and we will all work together to determine next steps for interventions and levels of support. Following subsequent SST meetings, the teacher will provide you with updates on your child’s progress. 

For more information please contact Shana McTague at smctague@sau83.org or (603) 895-2511 x423.

Multi-Tiered System of Support Student Success Team Manual for Families

Ellis School Continuum of Strategies