Tier 2 Success Lesson Plan Targeted Supports: Tier 2 Success!
Professional Development Lesson Plan
45 Minutes
Audience: Educators
The "Why"
Effective Tier 2 classroom management creates a more inclusive and productive learning environment for all students. By tailoring support, educators can proactively address student needs, reduce disruptive behaviors, and foster academic growth.
Learning Objective
Educators will be able to identify and implement Tier 2 classroom management strategies for small groups, understanding how to differentiate these strategies for SpEd, 504, and EL students.
Approach
Interactive discussion, practical activities, and collaborative strategy development focused on real-world classroom application and differentiation.
Teacher Preparation
Review Student Needs & Materials
15 Minutes
Review the lesson plan and all linked materials (Warm-up, Strategy Spotlight, Discussion Guide, Game, and Cool-down).
Ensure projector/Smartboard is set up for the slide deck.
Gather markers and have a whiteboard or chart paper available for collaborative brainstorming.
Familiarize yourself with common accommodations for SpEd and 504 students, and common supports for EL learners, as they relate to classroom management strategies.
Prepare printouts for the strategy spotlight activity and tangle game scenarios.
Session Materials
Smartboard or Projector
Markers / Whiteboard
Warm-Up: What's Your Tier?
Activity: Strategy Spotlight
Discussion: Tailoring Tier 2
Game: Tier 2 Tangle
Cool Down: One-Minute Mastery
Instructional Sequence
1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 MIN
Greet educators and introduce the session's focus on Tier 2 classroom management.
Facilitate the Warm Up: What's Your Tier? to gauge prior knowledge and set the stage. Ask educators to share initial thoughts on what Tier 2 interventions look like in their experience.
Briefly review the definition of MTSS Tier 2 and its importance for targeted small group support.
2
Activity: Strategy Spotlight
15 MIN
Introduce the Strategy Spotlight activity and divide educators into small groups.
Groups brainstorm Tier 2 strategies (CICO, Social Skills groups, etc.) and discuss the "why" and "how" of each.
Differentiation Focus: Prompt groups to specifically consider adaptations for SpEd, 504, and EL learners (visuals, language support, cultural responsiveness).
3
Discussion: Tailoring Tier 2
10 MIN
Facilitate a whole-group discussion based on the activity. Focus on challenges and successes in implementation for diverse learners.
Discuss data-driven identification, collaboration with specialists (SpEd/EL), and common pitfalls to avoid.
4
Game: Tier 2 Tangle
10 MIN
Engage educators with the Tier 2 Tangle . Use quick scenarios to identify interventions and adaptations for diverse learners.
Debrief the game, clarifying misconceptions and highlighting effective strategies discussed.
5
Cool Down & Wrap-Up
5 MIN
Conclude with One-Minute Mastery . Ask for one key takeaway and one strategy to implement.
Collect responses to identify future PD needs and thank educators for their commitment.
Tier 2 Management Slides MTSS Support Series
TARGETED SUPPORTS:
TIER 2 SUCCESS!
Building Inclusive Classrooms through Targeted Small-Group Management
Focus: SpEd, 504, & EL Support
Building an Inclusive Classroom
What is Tier 2?
Targeted support for small groups of students who need more than universal instruction.
Why is it important?
Creates a more inclusive and productive learning environment for all students.
Our Goal Today
Understand Tier 2 strategies
Adapt for diverse learners (SpEd, 504, EL)
Practical classroom application
Warm Up: What's Your Tier?
Quick Check-in!
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
I'll share some scenarios. Decide if the situation best fits a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 intervention.
Be ready to explain YOUR reasoning!
Activity: Strategy Spotlight
1. Choose a Strategy
Check-in / Check-out (CICO)
Social Skills Group
Targeted Academic Support
Behavior Contracts
2. Discuss
How exactly does it work in practice?
3. Design Adaptations
How would you modify it for:
SpEd Students (IEP/504)
EL Learners
Be ready to share with the group!
Discussion: Tailoring Tier 2
Real-World Reality
What are the implementation challenges?
What successes have you seen?
The "How" of Equity
What data identifies Tier 2 needs?
How do we collaborate with specialists?
How do we avoid common pitfalls?
Game: Tier 2 Tangle
Scenario Challenge!
I'll present a student scenario. As a team, quickly identify:
1. Intervention
2. Adaptations
Cool Down: One-Minute Mastery
Key Takeaway
What's the most significant thing you learned today?
Action Plan
What strategy will you implement next week?
Thank you for supporting EVERY student!
What's Your Tier Warm Up Warm Up: What's Your Tier?
Targeted Supports: Tier 2 Success!
Name: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________
Instructions
For each scenario below, decide if it best fits a Tier 1 , Tier 2 , or Tier 3 intervention. Be prepared to explain your reasoning to the group during our opening discussion.
Scenario 1: Homework Hurdles
"A teacher notices that several students in her class frequently forget to bring their homework. This is impacting their learning and the overall class routine."
Appropriate Tier
Why?
Scenario 2: Persistent Interruptions
"One student consistently calls out answers without raising their hand, disrupting lessons daily. The teacher has tried whole-class reminders (Tier 1), but this individual behavior persists."
Appropriate Tier
Why?
Scenario 3: Intensive Needs
"A student with a documented emotional behavioral disability frequently has severe outbursts that require immediate and intensive support from multiple staff members, despite ongoing small-group interventions."
Appropriate Tier
Why?
Strategy Spotlight Activity Activity: Strategy Spotlight
PD Activity Sheet
Group Members: __________________________________________________
Strategy Options
CICO: Morning/afternoon check-ins with an adult mentor.Social Skills Group: Small group instruction on social behavior.Self-Monitoring: Students track their own behavior with charts.Behavior Contract: Written goal-setting agreement.Targeted Academic: Skill-based support impacting behavior.
The Challenge
Choose one strategy . Discuss how it works normally, then push your group to design specific adaptations for diverse learners.
Chosen Strategy:
1. Describe the Strategy
What are the main components and how does it typically function?
2. Adapting for SpEd / 504 Students
Consider: Visual supports, simplified language, sensory needs, and IEP goal alignment.
3. Adapting for EL Learners
Consider: Sentence starters, cognates, native language support, and comprehension checks.
4. Considerations for All Diverse Learners
Think about: Data collection, family involvement, and cultural responsiveness.
Tailoring Tier 2 Discussion Guide Discussion Guide: Tailoring Tier 2
Collaborative Reflection & Problem Solving
1
Challenges & Successes
What are the biggest hurdles you face with Tier 2? What adaptations have actually worked for you?
2
Data-Driven Decisions
What data helps you identify Tier 2 students? How do you monitor effectiveness for SpEd/EL learners?
3
Collaboration is Key
How do you sync with SpEd teachers and EL specialists? What are best practices for team communication?
4
Avoiding Pitfalls
What are common mistakes when adapting strategies for diverse learners? How can we be more proactive?
5
Reflecting on Equity
How does Tier 2 contribute to equity? How can we ensure interventions are truly culturally responsive?
Tier 2 Tangle Game Scenarios Game: Tier 2 Tangle
Rapid Scenario Challenge
10 MIN SPEED ROUND
How to Play
Listen as the facilitator reads the scenarios. Quickly discuss as a team to identify the best Tier 2 Intervention and crucial Adaptations . Speed and equity are the names of the game!
Scenario 1: The Disorganized Dynamo
Student: Leo (4th Grade). Misplaces assignments, forgets homework, and struggles to organize his desk. Across all subjects. He is an English Learner (EL) and struggles with multi-step instructions.
Tier 2 Intervention
Adaptations (Focus on EL/Organization)
Scenario 2: The Social Butterfly
Student: Maya (7th Grade). Social and disruptive during group work. Has a 504 Plan for ADHD , including movement breaks and verbal processing. Responds well to clear expectations.
Tier 2 Intervention
Adaptations (Focus on ADHD/Movement)
Scenario 3: The Quiet Avoider
Student: Samira (2nd Grade). Extremely quiet, rarely participates. Shrugs or gives one-word answers when questioned. Academic performance is steady but social integration is minimal.
Tier 2 Intervention
Adaptations (Focus on Confidence/Participation)
One-Minute Mastery Reflection One-Minute Mastery
Session Wrap-Up & Reflection
01
My Key Takeaway
What is one significant thing you learned or were reminded of about Tier 2 classroom management and supporting diverse learners today?
02
My Action Plan
What is one specific Tier 2 strategy or adaptation you plan to implement or refine in your classroom practice next week?
Small steps lead to massive shifts in student success.
Educator: __________________________________ Date: _____________________________________
