Behavior Tiers: Group Support Script

Introduction & Warm-Up: What is MTSS? (5 minutes)

(Slide 1: Decoding Behavior Tiers: Supporting Every Student)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! I'm really excited to spend the next 30 minutes with you to dive into a topic that is incredibly important for all of us in supporting our students: understanding the Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, or MTSS-B.

Our goal today is to give you a clear understanding of what MTSS-B is, how the different tiers work, and specifically, to dig a bit deeper into Tier 2 strategies – those targeted group supports that many of you are already implementing or will find incredibly useful in your roles.

Before we jump in, let's do a quick warm-up. When you hear the phrase 'student behavior support,' what immediately comes to mind? Feel free to just shout out a few words or phrases."


(Allow 1-2 minutes for responses. Acknowledge and affirm contributions.)

"Great responses! You've highlighted many key aspects of what we're here to talk about. Let's move to our next slide to officially define MTSS-B."

(Slide 2: What is MTSS for Behavior (MTSS-B)?)

"As you can see, MTSS-B is a framework, not just a single program. Think of it as an organized system designed to provide proactive and preventative support. It uses layered support, meaning we adjust the intensity of our strategies based on what student data tells us. The ultimate goal? To promote positive behavior and academic success for ALL students."

Understanding the Tiers (1-4) (10 minutes)

"Now, let's explore the different tiers of support within this system. We'll start with the broadest tier, Tier 1."

(Slide 3: Tier 1: Universal Supports for ALL)

"Tier 1 is the foundation. These are the universal supports that all students receive in the general education setting. It's about creating a positive, predictable, and safe environment for everyone. Think of things like having clear classroom rules and expectations, positive behavior reinforcement systems, teaching social-emotional skills, consistent routines, and building strong relationships with students. If we have strong Tier 1 supports in place, we actually reduce the number of students who will need more intensive support later on.

Any questions about Tier 1 before we move on?"


(Pause for 30 seconds for questions.)

(Slide 4: Tier 2: Targeted Group Support)

"Now, for our main focus today: Tier 2. This is for some students who need additional support beyond just Tier 1. These are typically small group interventions, often lasting 6-8 weeks. The focus here is on specific skill building – maybe social skills, self-regulation, or academic behaviors that are impacting learning. A key characteristic is frequent progress monitoring, so we can see if the intervention is working. Teachers and other support staff often facilitate these groups. The goal is to prevent behaviors from escalating and to build those missing skills.

Does this sound familiar to what many of you might be doing in your classrooms or support roles?"


(Pause for 30 seconds for quick reflections/questions.)

(Slide 5: Tier 2: Practical Examples)

"Let's look at some practical examples of what Tier 2 looks like in action. We have things like Check-In/Check-Out, where a student checks in with an adult, carries a daily behavior card, and checks out at the end of the day. This provides immediate feedback and reinforcement. We also have Social Skills Groups, focusing on things like conflict resolution or emotional regulation. Self-Management Training helps students learn to monitor their own behavior, and sometimes Tier 2 involves Academic Supports with Behavioral Components, where we address behaviors like disorganization that impact learning.

We'll discuss these more when we look at our handout. For now, let's quickly touch on Tiers 3 and 4."

(Slide 6: Tier 3: Intensive Individual Support)

"Tier 3 is for a few students with chronic, severe, or disruptive behaviors. At this level, we're looking at highly individualized, function-based interventions. This usually involves a comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment, or FBA, to understand why a behavior is happening, and then developing a Behavior Intervention Plan, or BIP. Support here is often one-on-one and includes intensive, daily progress monitoring. A team of specialists typically works together here."

(Slide 7: Tier 4: Comprehensive & Collaborative)

"Finally, Tier 4 is for very few students where behaviors significantly impact safety or require external services. This involves collaboration with mental health professionals or other outside agencies, and sometimes alternative educational placements. It's about providing truly comprehensive support across all aspects of a student's life. It's the most intensive level of support within the MTSS framework.

Any quick questions on Tiers 3 or 4?"


(Pause for 30 seconds for questions.)

Deep Dive: Tier 2 Group Supports (10 minutes)

(Slide 8: The MTSS Continuum: A Fluid System)

"It's crucial to remember that MTSS is a fluid system. A tier isn't a label for a student; it describes the intensity of support they're receiving. Students can and do move up or down tiers as their needs change. All decisions are data-driven, and collaboration among teachers, support staff, and families is absolutely key at every level."

"Now, let's really focus back on Tier 2. I have a Tier 2 Strategies Handout for you all. Please take a moment to look it over." (Distribute handout.)

"On this handout, you'll see a more detailed breakdown of some of the Tier 2 strategies we discussed. For example, under Check-In/Check-Out, it outlines the basic steps. For Social Skills Groups, it suggests common topics. These are designed to be practical tools you can use.

Let's take a few minutes. Look at the handout, and let's discuss: What are some Tier 2 strategies that you currently use in your roles, or perhaps ones you've seen implemented effectively? What challenges have you encountered, and how might these examples help?"












(Facilitate a discussion for 5-7 minutes. Encourage sharing and problem-solving.)

"Excellent discussion! It's clear many of you are already doing fantastic work at this level. Your role as teachers and support staff in implementing these interventions is truly invaluable."

Q&A and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

(Slide 9: Questions & Discussion)

"We're nearing the end of our session. I want to open the floor for any final questions you might have about MTSS for behavior, any of the tiers, or specific strategies we've discussed today."












(Answer questions for 2-3 minutes.)

"To wrap up, I hope today's session has provided you with a clearer understanding of the MTSS-B framework and reinforced the importance of those targeted Tier 2 group supports. Remember, every tier builds upon the one before it, and by working together, we truly create a supportive environment for all learners.

As you leave today, I have a quick Cool Down: Behavioral MTSS Reflection for you – a short exit ticket to reflect on what we've covered. Please take a moment to complete it before you head out.

Thank you all so much for your active participation and your dedication to our students!" (Distribute Cool Down activity.)

Tier 2 Strategies: Targeted Group Support

Tier 2 supports are designed for students who need additional behavioral interventions beyond universal Tier 1 strategies. These interventions are typically delivered in small groups, are standardized, and are monitored frequently for progress.

Here are some common Tier 2 strategies with practical examples:

1. Check-In/Check-Out (CICO)

Purpose: To provide students with increased positive adult attention, daily behavioral goals, and immediate feedback throughout the school day.

How it works:

• Morning Check-In: Student briefly checks in with a designated adult (e.g., teacher, paraeducator, counselor) at the start of the day to review daily goals (e.g.,

Cool Down: Behavioral MTSS Reflection

Take a few moments to reflect on today's session about Behavioral MTSS and the different tiers of support.

1. One thing I learned today is...
   
   
   

2. One Tier 2 strategy I might try or learn more about is...
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. One question I still have about Behavioral MTSS is...