About Tier 2 Interventions
Tier 2 interventions are supplemental, targeted supports for students who are not successful with the universal (Tier 1) learning program. They are typically delivered in small groups (3–6 students) who share similar needs, or individually when appropriate.
Academic Tier 2
Each academic department identifies a set of evidence-based Tier 2 interventions ready to deploy for students who are slightly behind grade-level and/or those for whom the universal program is not effective.
Whole-Child Tier 2
School counselors provide small, targeted groups addressing identified needs (e.g., executive functioning, conflict management, social skills, coping skills, future planning). The support para facilitates peer mediations.
Characteristics of Quality Tier 2
- Targeted to specific skill gaps or needs
- Delivered in small groups (3-6 students) or individually
- More frequent and intensive than Tier 1
- Progress monitored regularly (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Time-limited with clear goals (6-8 weeks typically)
- Supplemental to, not replacing, core instruction
When to Use Tier 2
Consider Tier 2 interventions when:
- Student is not responding to high-quality Tier 1 instruction
- Consistent pattern of difficulty shown through data
- Specific skill gaps identified through assessment
- Student needs more practice, reteaching, or support than Tier 1 provides
Search Interventions
Tier 2 Intervention Menu
Click on any intervention to view detailed implementation guidance.
Implementation Tips for Tier 2
Use Data to Group
Form groups based on specific skill needs identified through assessment, not just general "low" performance. Students in a group should have similar skill gaps.
Keep Groups Small
3-6 students is ideal. Smaller groups allow for more interaction, immediate feedback, and targeted instruction.
Monitor Progress Weekly
Tier 2 requires more frequent progress monitoring than Tier 1. Check progress weekly to ensure intervention is working.
Set Clear Exit Criteria
Know what mastery looks like. When students meet the goal, they exit Tier 2 and return to Tier 1 only.
Need More Intensive Support?
If students are not responding to Tier 2 interventions after 6-8 weeks of consistent implementation, consider:
- Reviewing implementation fidelity (is the intervention being done as designed?)
- Adjusting the intervention or trying a different approach
- Increasing intensity (more time, smaller group, more frequent)
- Moving to Tier 3 intensive interventions
- Referring for special education evaluation if appropriate