Using MTSS to Support Every Student: A Collaborative Approach by ISCA & SENIA International

A blog repost from our friends and partners at International School Counselor Association (ISCA). You can find their original blog post at https://iscainfo.com/using-mtss-to-support-every-student-a-collaborative-approach-by-isca-senia-international/

An important component of both the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) Model and SENIA’s inclusive practices is the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)—a framework designed to ensure that all students receive the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support they need to succeed. By implementing a structured, tiered approach, school counselors, educators, and support teams can create equitable learning environments where no student falls through the cracks.

Understanding the MTSS Framework

MTSS thrives as a whole-school approach, drawing strength from the collective commitment of all members of a school community. This collaborative model brings together school leaders, educators, specialists, counselors, and support staff, creating a unified effort in supporting student success. By fostering a shared responsibility and leveraging diverse expertise, MTSS becomes a powerful tool for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. This team-based approach ensures that interventions are comprehensive, consistent, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every student. When the entire school community embraces MTSS, it leads to more effective implementation, better resource allocation, and ultimately, improved outcomes for all learners.

The graphic created through the collaboration of ISCA and SENIA is unique in its comprehensive and integrated approach to MTSS. This visual representation stands out for several reasons:

  1. Holistic Integration: The graphic seamlessly incorporates SEL, behavior, and academics into a single MTSS framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these areas in student support.
  2. Lens-Specific Examples: ISCA and SENIA have provided examples of support for each tier through their respective lenses, offering a more nuanced and specialized perspective on implementing MTSS in international school settings.
  3. Collaborative Expertise: By combining the expertise of both ISCA and SENIA International, the graphic reflects a multidisciplinary approach to student support, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive model.
  4. International Focus: The collaboration between these two international organizations results in a graphic that is specifically tailored to the unique needs and challenges of international schools, making it particularly relevant for educators in diverse global settings.
  5. Practical Application: The graphic provides concrete, actionable examples for each tier, making it easier for educators to implement MTSS strategies in their specific contexts.

This collaborative effort by ISCA and SENIA demonstrates a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students in international schools, regardless of their academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs.

Tier 1: Universal Support for All Students (100%)

This tier focuses on proactive, evidence-based strategies that support the entire school community. Key components include:

  • SEL & Life Skills Development
  • Schoolwide Expectations & Respect Agreements
  • Restorative Practices & Positive Behavior Interventions
  • Executive Functioning Skill Development

These preventative strategies help build a strong foundation for student success by fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and a sense of belonging in every student.

Tier 2: Targeted Support for Some Students (10–25%)

For students who need additional social-emotional, academic, or behavioral support, Tier 2 provides more focused interventions, such as:

  • Small Group Counseling & Mentoring Programs
  • Check-in/Check-out Systems
  • Targeted Skill Practice & Extra Academic Support
  • Flexible Seating & Sensory Tools

By collaborating with teachers, school leaders, and families, counselors and educators can ensure students receive timely interventions that help them stay engaged in learning.

Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Support (3–5%)

For students requiring more significant supports, , personalized and intensive interventions are necessary. Tier 3 strategies include:

  • Individualized Behavior Plans (BIP) & Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
  • Crisis Intervention & Intensive Counseling Support
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEP) & Alternative Schedules
  • Collaboration with External Therapists & Specialists

It’s important to note that not all students who have an IEP require tier 3 support.

Students are not placed in a tier permanently—they move fluidly between levels based on their progress and response to interventions.

By closely monitoring progress and adjusting interventions, educators can ensure that students receive the right level of care to help them thrive.

Why MTSS Matters for International Schools

The success of MTSS relies on several key principles:

✅  Data-Driven Decision Making – Using assessments, teacher observations, and student feedback to tailor support.
✅ Collaboration Across Stakeholders – School counselors, learning support teams, teachers, and families work together to create a seamless support system.
✅ Proactive & Preventative Approach – Rather than waiting for students to struggle, MTSS ensures that support is in place before challenges escalate.

By integrating MTSS within international school settings, we create inclusive learning environments that promote student well-being, equity, and success.

ISCA and SENIA International remain committed to helping schools implement and refine their MTSS frameworks, ensuring that all students—regardless of ability, background, or need—receive the support necessary to reach their full potential.

Would you like to learn more about implementing MTSS in your school? Explore resources from ISCA & SENIA today!

Download