Student Support Reference Guide
MTSS Tier 1-3 Support Resource
Student Support Reference Guide
De-duplicated, categorized accommodations and high-leverage instructional strategies
Part 1: Cognitive & Behavioral
Review: Semi-Annual
Visual-Spatial Deficits
- • Uncluttered Page Layout: Limit problems per page, maximize white space, and mask unused items.
- • Visual Framing Aids: Supply reading windows, physical tracking rulers, or colored boundary borders.
- • Grid & Column Guides: Utilize graph paper or vertical lines to align multi-digit calculations and tables.
- • Color-Coded Anchors: Mark left-hand margins green ("start") and right margins red ("stop").
- • Concrete Tactile Models: Substitute flat diagrams with manipulatives or raised-line graphics.
Tip: Avoid dense board copying; provide pre-printed desk notes.
Attention & Sustained Focus
- • Preferential Placement: Seat near teacher, away from doors, windows, and noisy traffic paths.
- • Chunked Directives: Give 1–2 step instructions paired with brief numbered board visuals.
- • Visual Timers: Display elapsed time visually (e.g., Time Timer) to structure work blocks.
- • Discreet Non-Verbal Cues: Agree upon a subtle gesture to redirect attention without calling out.
- • Functional Motor Breaks: Alternate seatwork with purposeful movement (errands, handing out books).
Tip: Have student briefly repeat back directions prior to independent work.
Organization & Materials
- • Two-Pocket System: Color-code folders strictly into "To Complete" (left) and "Finished" (right).
- • Visual Desk Inventory: Tape an illustrated packing/supply checklist inside the student binder.
- • End-of-Period Pack Time: Dedicate the last 3–4 minutes strictly to agenda checks and packing.
- • Milestone Breakdowns: Dissect long-term assignments into small, dated benchmark deliverables.
- • Dual Textbook Sets: Keep one textbook set at home and one in the classroom to prevent loss.
Tip: Pair student with an organized peer partner for end-of-day checks.
Self-Esteem & Resilience
- • Confidential Redirection: Deliver corrective feedback privately, never publicly across the room.
- • 4:1 Praise Ratio: Consistently praise effort, strategy use, and perseverance over natural speed.
- • Success Momentum: Front-load worksheets with 1–2 accessible questions to build confidence early.
- • Strengths-Based Roles: Assign meaningful classroom roles aligned with student passions and strengths.
- • Reframing Mistakes: Establish classroom norms: "Mistakes map out what our brains learn next."
Tip: Avoid taking away recess or physical outlets for unfinished academic work.
Classroom Implementation Matrix • Section 1 of 2 Turn to Page 2 for Academic & Testing Supports →
MTSS Tier 1-3 Support Resource
Student Support Reference Guide
Subject-specific interventions, written expression, and testing accommodations
Part 2: Academic & Testing
Page 2 of 2
Writing & Expression
- • Speech-to-Text Dictation: Authorize voice typing tools for initial drafting and ideation.
- • Sentence Frames & Stems: Provide starter clauses, transition words, and paragraph blueprints.
- • Graphic Pre-Organizers: Map ideas prior to composition (webs, flowcharts, story maps).
- • Reduced Copying Load: Provide guided fill-in notes or printed slides for lecture content.
- • Mechanics Exemption: Grade content ideas separately from spelling and punctuation on drafts.
Tip: Allow pencil grips, slant boards, or keyboarding for motor fatigue.
Math & Numerical Reasoning
- • Visual Formula Aids: Keep multiplication grids, formula sheets, and number lines accessible.
- • Manipulative Anchors: Ground abstract concepts in base-ten blocks or fractions strips first.
- • Rotated Grid Paper: Turn lined paper 90 degrees or use grid paper for column alignment.
- • Sign Highlighting: Require highlighting of operational signs (+, -, ×, ÷) before calculating.
- • Permanent Model Problem: Keep one fully worked exemplar visible at the top of the worksheet.
Tip: Allow non-graphing calculator for multi-step reasoning problems.
Possible Accommodations (Testing, Environmental & Delivery)
IEP • 504 • General MTSS
Timing & Scheduling
- • 1.5x / 2.0x Time: For timed exams and formal writing.
- • Scheduled Rest Breaks: 3–5 min break every 20–25 minutes.
- • Multi-Session Delivery: Administer tests over multiple class sessions.
Setting & Environment
- • Separate Low-Distraction: Small-group or individual setting.
- • Auditory Shielding: Noise-canceling headphones or white noise.
- • Adaptive Seating: Wobble stools, foot bands, or standing station.
Presentation & Response
- • Read Aloud / Audio: Text-to-speech for all non-reading assessments.
- • Oral Scribe: Student dictates answers to teacher or recording app.
- • Direct Test-Book Marking: Eliminate separate bubble sheets.
Implementation Protocol: Select only 2–3 targeted accommodations simultaneously. Track efficacy over a 3-week trial period with progress monitoring data before layering additional supports.
Student Support Reference Guide • Special Education & Intervention Clean Master Copy
