S11 E1: MTSS 101: What it is and what it isn't, with Joan Schumann, Ph.D.

Show notes

MTSS explores the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), from foundational concepts to practical implementation. To kick things off, Joan Schumann, Ph.D., founding executive director of the International MTSS Association, joins host Susan Lambert, Ed.D., to provide an overview of an MTSS—what it is, what it isn't, and its core elements. Together, Joan and Susan discuss the core beliefs that make or break an MTSS implementation, what a prevention-oriented mindset looks like in a school, and why early access to intervention is central to the MTSS framework. Show notes: Sign up for our Literacy Data and MTSS Week. Learn more about the International MTSS Association and its Journal for MTSS. Connect with Joan Schumann on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Season 3 of Amplify's Beyond My Years podcast. Subscribe to Susan's new Science of Reading Substack. Join our Science of Reading community Facebook group. Connect with Susan Lambert. Quotes: "You cannot implement the [MTSS] framework if you don't believe all kids can learn." —Joan Schumann "If we all start engaging in these small shifts and calls for change, it'll be just like the Science of Reading, only it'll be the science of learning." —Joan Schumann "Don't underestimate the power of starting small, or raising a question in a meeting, or challenging a belief that you hear. I think it's through these small acts of courage that you can have a big impact." Timestamps*: 0:00 Introduction: MTSS 101, with Joan Schumann, Ph.D. 4:00 Joan's background and journey in education 9:00 An overview of MTSS 10:00 The core belief at the heart of MTSS 17:00 MTSS as a prevention-oriented system 19:00 Rethinking school structure 25:00 Common MTSS misconceptions 28:00 How MTSS and special education relate 33:00 Breaking down the core elements of MTSS 36:00 MTSS beyond literacy 38:00 The International MTSS Association 46:00 Final thoughts *Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute