Tier 3 Interventions - AMS MTSS Toolkit

About Tier 3 Interventions

Tier 3 interventions are the most intensive and individualized supports in our MTSS framework, for students with significant or persistent needs. Support is often provided one-on-one or in very small groups, with greater frequency and duration.

                Critical Principle: Tier 3 is IN ADDITION TO Tiers 1 and 2. Students at Tier 3 still receive high-quality core instruction (Tier 1) and may receive targeted small group support (Tier 2) PLUS intensive individualized intervention.
            

Important clarification: Students with IEPs do receive Tier 3 services. However, students do not have to have IEPs to receive Tier 3 interventions from general education and school staff.

Academic Tier 3

Each department defines its intensive Tier 3 interventions, which may involve highly individualized plans and a deeper analysis of the student's needs.

Whole-Child Tier 3

Individual check-ins, attendance meetings/filings, collaboration with mental health providers, highly personalized support plans, individualized health plans, and more.

Characteristics of Quality Tier 3

Highly individualized to student's specific needs
Intensive (daily or multiple times per week, 30+ minutes)
Involves team collaboration (teachers, specialists, counselors, family)
Progress monitored very frequently (weekly or more often)
Long-term support that may last months or years
May include specialized instruction or services
Often includes formal plans (IEP, 504, BIP)

When to Use Tier 3

Consider Tier 3 interventions when:

Student has not responded to well-implemented Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions
Significant and persistent skill deficits exist
Student has a documented disability (IEP or 504)
Complex needs require coordination across multiple adults/services
Safety concerns require immediate intensive support

Important: Tier 3 supports should be developed by a team, not an individual teacher working alone. Use the Student Support Team process to coordinate intensive interventions.

Search Interventions

Tier 3 Intervention Menu

Click on any intervention to view detailed implementation guidance.

The Student Support Team Process

Step 1: Refer

Any teacher or staff member can refer a student to the Student Support Team when Tier 1 and 2 interventions are not sufficient.

Step 2: Gather Data

Team collects information from all teachers, specialists, family, and the student. Review academic data, behavior data, attendance, etc.

Step 3: Meet

Team meeting (30-60 min) to analyze data, identify root causes, and develop coordinated Tier 3 intervention plan.

Step 4: Implement

All team members implement their part of the plan consistently. Assign clear roles and responsibilities.

Step 5: Monitor

Progress monitored weekly or more frequently. Team communicates regularly about student progress.

Step 6: Adjust

Team meets every 2-4 weeks to review data and adjust plan as needed. Continue until student is successful or additional evaluation needed.

Legal Considerations

Important: Many Tier 3 interventions have legal requirements:

IEPs and 504 Plans: Must be followed exactly as written. Accommodations are legally mandated.
Behavior Intervention Plans: Required by law if behavior impedes student's or others' learning.
Evaluation Timelines: If considering special education evaluation, specific timelines apply.
Parent Rights: Parents must be included in Tier 3 planning and have specific legal rights.

When in doubt, consult with your special education team, counselor, or administrator.

Support Contacts for Tier 3

Case Managers

For IEP and 504 questions, accommodation implementation, legal compliance.

School Psychologist

For behavior plans, functional assessments, evaluation questions, data analysis.

Counselors

For Student Support Team coordination, mental health support, family communication.

Administration

For crisis situations, outside agency coordination, legal questions.

Remember

You are not alone. Tier 3 supports are designed to be collaborative. No single teacher is expected to provide all supports for a student with intensive needs.

Ask for help. If you have a student who needs Tier 3 support, reach out to your Student Support Team, counselor, or case manager.

Document everything. Keep records of interventions tried, student progress, and team communications. This data is essential for making good decisions.