Posts
Written by Jen Sigrist
In Iowa, we implement a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to meet learner needs.
This system level work is a great entry point into personalized, competency-based learning.
While many think these are two separate initiatives, the work is parallel in the belief that
learning is the focus, not the amount of time a student is in the seat. Learning isn’t the same
for each child and both MTSS and personalized, competency-based approaches recognize
that truth.
This system level work is a great entry point into personalized, competency-based learning.
While many think these are two separate initiatives, the work is parallel in the belief that
learning is the focus, not the amount of time a student is in the seat. Learning isn’t the same
for each child and both MTSS and personalized, competency-based approaches recognize
that truth.
For a variety of reasons including the state’s work to support the focus on learning through
MTSS, classroom practices are shifting to a focus on learning - “What do my students need?”
- instead of the traditional focus on teaching - “What am I going to do today?” Done alone
and in isolation, the focus on what each student needs can be overwhelming for a teacher.
So the system has to respond to support this more personalized, learning-focused approach
we ask teachers to take in their classrooms.
“If there is no consistency in how teachers approach differentiated support, your
school is not going to be effective at responding to the individual learning needs of
each student. In effective schools, it doesn’t matter which teacher a students is
assigned to; all students receive differentiated support” (Stack and Vander Els, 2018).
MTSS, classroom practices are shifting to a focus on learning - “What do my students need?”
- instead of the traditional focus on teaching - “What am I going to do today?” Done alone
and in isolation, the focus on what each student needs can be overwhelming for a teacher.
So the system has to respond to support this more personalized, learning-focused approach
we ask teachers to take in their classrooms.
“If there is no consistency in how teachers approach differentiated support, your
school is not going to be effective at responding to the individual learning needs of
each student. In effective schools, it doesn’t matter which teacher a students is
assigned to; all students receive differentiated support” (Stack and Vander Els, 2018).
One of the five principles of Competency-based Education (CBE) is that “Students receive
rapid, personalized support based on individual learning needs” (Iowa Department of
Education, 2016). MTSS is a decision-making framework that operates “...by examining
data on the educational system as well as identifying students who need additional
supports” (“Iowa's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)”). What’s similar? A focus on
supporting individual students showing need in a responsive way--not waiting until they
fail--is a keystone of both MTSS and CBE.
rapid, personalized support based on individual learning needs” (Iowa Department of
Education, 2016). MTSS is a decision-making framework that operates “...by examining
data on the educational system as well as identifying students who need additional
supports” (“Iowa's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)”). What’s similar? A focus on
supporting individual students showing need in a responsive way--not waiting until they
fail--is a keystone of both MTSS and CBE.
Individual teachers can make big strides in providing the type of personalized supports
students need. Yet, they cannot sustain the effort and do it well on their own. When the
system responds as a whole, a student can be ensured of supports that are timely and
personalized to his/her needs.
students need. Yet, they cannot sustain the effort and do it well on their own. When the
system responds as a whole, a student can be ensured of supports that are timely and
personalized to his/her needs.
entry point. Often systems that start to operationalize MTSS well start to ask the question,
“How well am I growing the proficient students?” or, “What interventions can I provide around
other local indicators of success (those beyond reading and math)? How do I handle the
classroom when I have so many students needing different things from me? These questions
are the same questions thata personalized, competency-based approach to instruction can
answer.
MTSS and CBE are not synonymous, rather MTSS can lead one into furthering the system level
work where students are at the center of everything we do. Furthering the IDE’s and LEAs’
priority of developing robust Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) through shifts educators
make in assessment practices and just-in-time supports is a reality with learner-centered
approaches. Rapid, personalized support using learner-centered approaches rather than
school-centric ones places the focus squarely on growth mindset, goal setting, self-direction,
reassessment, and customized enrichment and remediation, where students and teachers are
partners in the design and demonstration of learning.
work where students are at the center of everything we do. Furthering the IDE’s and LEAs’
priority of developing robust Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) through shifts educators
make in assessment practices and just-in-time supports is a reality with learner-centered
approaches. Rapid, personalized support using learner-centered approaches rather than
school-centric ones places the focus squarely on growth mindset, goal setting, self-direction,
reassessment, and customized enrichment and remediation, where students and teachers are
partners in the design and demonstration of learning.
Iowa Department of Education. 2016. Iowa Department of Education guidelines for PK-12
competency-based education. Retrieved from https://www.educateiowa.gov/sites/
“Iowa's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).” Iowa Department of Education, 2018,
mtss.
Stack, Brian M., and Vander Els Jonathan G. Breaking with Tradition: the Shift to
Competency-Based Learning in PLCs at Work. Solution Tree Press, 2018.
No comments:
Post a Comment