Behavior Tiers Lesson Plan Behavior Tiers: Group Support
Professional Development Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Understanding behavioral MTSS helps support staff proactively address student needs, creating a more positive and productive learning environment. It provides a structured framework for effective interventions that move beyond reactive discipline to proactive support.
Objective
Participants will understand the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavior, differentiate between Tiers 1–4, and be able to identify and apply Tier 2 group support strategies for students.
Quick Stats
Audience
Support Staff (Teachers, Counselors, Paras, Admin)
Approach
Presentation & Discussion
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Materials
Support Tier Slides
Tier Talk Script
Tier 2 Toolbelt Handout
Behavioral Shift Reflection
Preparation
Review the lesson plan and script to internalize the flow.
Test the slide deck on the presentation screen.
Print copies of the Tier 2 Toolbelt Handout for all participants.
Arrange seating in a semi-circle to facilitate open discussion.
Instructional Sequence
Intro 5m
What is MTSS?
Greet participants and introduce the session's topic: Behavioral MTSS.
Use the Support Tier Slides to present an overview of MTSS principles.
"What comes to mind when you hear 'student behavior support'?" (2-minute discussion)
Transition to defining MTSS in the context of behavior as a proactive framework.
Explain 10m
Understanding the Tiers (1–4)
Present slides explaining Tiers 1 through 4 behavioral supports with specific examples for each level.
Facilitate a brief Q&A after each tier's explanation to check for understanding.
Key Concept: Emphasize the fluid nature of movement between tiers based on data, not labels.
Focus 10m
Deep Dive: Tier 2 Group Supports
Focus specifically on Tier 2 strategies for group settings. Distribute the Tier 2 Toolbelt Handout .
Discuss practical implementation (e.g., CICO, social skills groups) in a classroom setting.
Invite staff to share Tier 2 strategies they currently use or have found effective.
Exit 5m
Q&A and Reflection
Open the floor for final questions. Summarize the key takeaway: MTSS is a continuum of support.
Distribute the Behavioral Shift Reflection as an exit ticket.
Behavior Tiers Slide Deck Professional Development
DECODING
BEHAVIOR TIERS
A Guide to Behavioral MTSS: Empowering Teachers, Nurturing Students
What is MTSS for Behavior (MTSS-B)?
A Framework
Not a program, but an organized system of supports.
Proactive & Preventative
Designed to meet student needs before challenges escalate.
Layered Support
Different levels of support based on student data.
"Promote positive behavior and academic success for ALL students."
Tier 1: Universal Supports
FOR ALL
The foundation for all students in the general education setting.
Focus: Creating a positive, predictable, and safe environment.
Clear Rules & Expectations
Positive Reinforcement
Strong Relationships
Consistent Routines
Tier 2: Targeted Group Support
FOR SOME
3–7 Students per group
6–8 Week Duration
Targeted Skill Building
Identified through data collection
Standardized interventions
Frequent progress monitoring
Facilitated by staff/teachers
Tier 2 in Action: Practical Examples
CICO
Check-In/Check-Out with a mentor for daily goals and frequent feedback.
Social Skills
Small groups focused on conflict resolution, regulation, or turn-taking.
Self-Manage
Training students to monitor and regulate their own behavior patterns.
Tier 3: Intensive Individual Support
FOR A FEW
FBA
Functional Behavior Assessment
BIP
Behavior Intervention Plan
"Highly individualized, function-based interventions for chronic or severe challenges."
"Intensive daily monitoring and a team-based approach involving specialists."
Tier 4: Comprehensive & Collaborative
VERY FEW
Integrated support involving external agencies, mental health professionals, and specialized placements.
Mental Health
Social Services
Medical Providers
The MTSS Continuum: A Fluid System
Not a Label: Describes intensity of support.
Flexible: Students move as needs change.
Behavior Tiers Script Behavior Tiers: Support Script
Instructional Facilitator Guide • 30 Minute Session
Introduction & Warm-Up (5 Minutes)
Slide 1: Decoding Behavior Tiers
"Good morning/afternoon everyone! I'm really excited to spend the next 30 minutes with you to dive into a topic that is incredibly important for all of us in supporting our students: understanding the Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, or MTSS-B."
"Our goal today is to give you a clear understanding of what MTSS-B is, how the different tiers work, and specifically, to dig a bit deeper into Tier 2 strategies—those targeted group supports that many of you are already implementing or will find incredibly useful in your roles."
"Before we jump in, let's do a quick warm-up. When you hear the phrase 'student behavior support,' what immediately comes to mind? Feel free to just shout out a few words or phrases."
[Allow 1-2 minutes for responses. Acknowledge and affirm contributions.]
Slide 2: What is MTSS-B?
"As you can see, MTSS-B is a framework, not just a single program. Think of it as an organized system designed to provide proactive and preventative support. It uses layered support, meaning we adjust the intensity of our strategies based on what student data tells us. The ultimate goal? To promote positive behavior and academic success for ALL students."
Understanding the Tiers (10 Minutes)
Slide 3: Tier 1: Universal Supports
"Tier 1 is the foundation. These are the universal supports that all students receive. It's about creating a positive, predictable, and safe environment for everyone. Think of things like clear classroom rules, positive reinforcement, and teaching social-emotional skills. If we have strong Tier 1 supports, we actually reduce the number of students who will need more intensive support later on."
Slide 4 & 5: Tier 2: Targeted Group Support
"Tier 2 is for some students who need additional support. These are typically small group interventions—maybe social skills, self-regulation, or academic behaviors. A key characteristic is frequent progress monitoring. Does this sound familiar to what many of you might be doing in your classrooms or support roles?"
"Practical examples include Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) , where a student checks in with a mentor daily, or Social Skills Groups for conflict resolution. We'll discuss these more when we look at our handout."
Page Break
Slide 6 & 7: Tiers 3 & 4
"Tier 3 is for a few students with chronic or severe behaviors. This level uses highly individualized, function-based interventions like Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Tier 4 is for
Tier 2 Strategies Handout Tier 2 Toolbelt
Targeted Group Behavioral Strategies
The Definition
"Tier 2 supports are designed for students who need additional behavioral interventions beyond universal Tier 1 strategies. These interventions are typically delivered in small groups, are standardized, and are monitored frequently for progress."
Check-In / Check-Out (CICO)
Purpose
To provide students with increased positive adult attention, daily behavioral goals, and immediate feedback throughout the school day.
How it Works
Morning Check-In: Student checks in with a mentor to review daily goals and receive encouragement.Daily Progress Report (DPR): Teachers provide feedback at the end of each period/block on the student's progress.Afternoon Check-Out: Student meets with the mentor to review the day's total points and receive positive reinforcement.
Social Skills Groups
Purpose
To teach specific social, emotional, or behavioral skills that students may be lacking to help them navigate the school environment successfully.
Common Topics
Conflict Resolution
Managing Emotions
Turn-Taking
Active Listening
Self-Management Training
Purpose
To empower students to take responsibility for their own behavior by learning how to self-observe, self-evaluate, and self-reinforce.
Key Elements
Self-Monitoring: Student tracks their own behavior on a simple chart.Goal Setting: Student identifies specific behavioral targets they want to achieve.Strategy Selection: Student chooses tools (like deep breathing or "cool down" breaks) to help stay on track.
Remember: Tier 2 interventions work best when they are built on a solid Tier 1 foundation!
Behavioral MTSS Reflection Cool Down Behavioral MTSS Reflection
Professional Development Exit Ticket
Name:
Date:
January 17, 2026
Take a few moments to reflect on today's session about Behavioral MTSS and the different tiers of support. Your feedback helps us improve future sessions and understand where more support is needed.
1 One thing I learned today is...
2 One Tier 2 strategy I might try or learn more about is...
3 One question I still have about Behavioral MTSS is...
Thank you for your engagement and dedication!
