---
title: "Multi-Tiered System of Support | School Attendance Challenges"
description: "MTSS is a framework for educational support that addresses a student's academic, mental health, and well-being, as well as social-emotional needs."
url: https://ymhc.ngo/resources/school-attendance-challenges/guide/multi-tiered-system-of-support/
---

SAC Resources· 6 of 14

# Multi-Tiered System of Support

MTSS is a framework for educational support that addresses a student’s academic, mental health, and well-being, as well as social-emotional needs.

![Three-tier pyramid: Tier 1, universal student support, at the base; Tier 2, early intervention support, in the middle; Tier 3, needs-based, intensive, individualized support, at the top](https://ymhc.ngo/_astro/mtss.bR6ZVpcZ_4R9s7.webp)

MTSS is commonly visualized as three tiers, however students may move between tiers depending on their needs. Flexibility is key in integrating MTSS into a whole-school approach. Flexibility is not linear, but rather a fluid continuum of needs-responsive support.

-   **Tier 1** focuses on universal student support and mental wellness promotion across the whole school.
-   **Tier 2** provides early, targeted intervention for students showing emerging or persistent challenges.
-   **Tier 3** involves individualized, intensive support for students experiencing significant or ongoing barriers to accessing education.

The Multi-Tiered System of Support requires the collaboration and coordinated efforts of the school community in providing appropriate programs, settings, supports, and services.

## MTSS Student Support Strategies

MTSS is a school-wide, proactive framework used to support all students by matching support to need. It recognizes that:

-   Students’ needs exist on a continuum.
-   We can’t predict if a student will experience a mental health challenge in the future. Empowering students with information, skills development, tools, and resources through universal student support strategies is a proactive, preventative approach.
-   Most challenges can be reduced through strong universal support.
-   Early identification and response prevent escalation.
-   Support should increase in intensity and individualization.

For more information about using MTSS to support students, see our Handbook.