Nevada Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

The Nevada MTSS Project provides a structured framework that fosters academic success, behavioral improvements and overall student well-being.

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Nevada Department of Education

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About

The Nevada Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Project is a statewide initiative working in close alignment with the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and the Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Nevada MTSS is housed within the Nevada PBIS Technical Assistance Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Since its inception in 2014, the project has aimed to build state and local capacity to establish and sustain a proactive, data-driven framework that integrates academic, social-emotional, mental health, and behavioral supports. Nevada MTSS supports agency-level infrastructure for state and local educational agencies, correctional and treatment facilities, and other community organizations. Nevada MTSS provides coaching, training, and evaluation services and technical assistance to implementation partners.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports Pyramid

The MTSS Pyramid is a tiered system, with different levels of support designed to meet individual student needs:

Tier 1: Universal Supports (Base of the Pyramid)
Focuses on instructional practices for all students, including a high-quality core curriculum, universal prevention, universal screening, and data-based decision-making led by the school MTSS team.
Tier 2: Targeted Supports (Middle of the Pyramid)
Provides specialized group interventions that supplement Tier 1 supports. These include targeted skill instruction, practice opportunities, and frequent feedback, paired with progress monitoring.
Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Supports (Top of the Pyramid)
Provides individualized, intensive interventions for students with the most significant academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health needs that have not responded adequately to Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. These interventions are driven by individualized assessment and ongoing progress monitoring, with collaborative problem-solving among educators, families, and specialized support providers to develop and adjust highly personalized support plans.

Nevada's MTSS Core Elements

The Equity Circle is a collaborative component of Nevada’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that promotes equitable access, opportunity and support for every student. Grounded in the belief that all learners deserve the resources and educational rigor they need to succeed, the Equity Circle brings together diverse stakeholders to engage in shared decision-making, examine data, identify and address disparities, and develop culturally responsive practices that support academic, behavioral, social and emotional growth. Through ongoing collaboration, reflection and action, the Equity Circle helps ensure that school systems continuously improve policies, practices and resource allocation so that every student can thrive regardless of race, ethnicity, language, disability, gender, family background or income.

Based on Nevada’s Framework for an Equitable Integrated System of Student Supports (MTSS), equity-centered practices are essential to reducing barriers, eliminating achievement gaps, and creating inclusive learning environments where all students can achieve success.

MTSS Recognition

Nevada MTSS Recognition is a process for sites across the state to be recognized for the significant time and energy they pour into their MTSS and PBIS efforts. This can include behavioral and academic practices such as Tier 1 programming and Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions. Sites apply for Recognition at the end of the school year; our team of reviewers assesses each application; we announce the recognized sites in August; and in February, we host an Awards Luncheon at the annual NVAPBS Conference where we present each recognized site with a plaque honoring their process.

Schools and sites from around the state apply for a level of award depending on where they are in their implementation journey. Award levels are: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Schools that are earlier in their implementation will likely apply for Bronze recognition and are asked to submit five baseline documents: an Expectation Matrix, an Acknowledgment Matrix, a Lesson Plan, a Discipline Flowchart, and a TFI Score. At the higher levels, sites are asked to submit the five baseline items plus a number of additional artifacts. These include a Solution Plan, a Data Narrative, and Letters of Recommendation from their District and Community partners.

This year, 101 sites applied to be recognized. Our 20-person team of reviewers has been working diligently to review the more than 700 submitted artifacts. Excitingly, our submissions come from both schools and residential treatment facilities that implement MTSS and PBIS. For many of us at the TA Center, reviewing applications is a highlight of the year. We love seeing the incredible work happening across the state, and it can also help us understand specific strengths and needs across the state.

*Recognition for 25-26 will be announced in September; check back for the update coming soon!*

Learn more about recognition