What is Tiered Prevention?

There are several tiered prevention models out there. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavioral Health & Wellness (MTSS-B) and Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) are two common frameworks. Both models focus on supporting students' social-emotional, behavioral and mental health well-being. Students' needs are tiered, meaning some supports might be universally accessible, while some may be more targeted and individualized. At WRSD, we tend to use these acronyms inter-changeably.

MTSS-B:

"NH’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavioral Health and Wellness (MTSS-B) framework is a comprehensive system of social, emotional, and behavioral supports to promote student wellness and improve engagement in learning. Based on the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF), MTSS-B blends research-based school mental health practices and social-emotional learning with a tiered prevention framework." nhmtssb.org

PBIS:

"Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives." PBIS.org

TIER 1: UNIVERSAL EXAMPLES

School-Wide Behavior Expectations (School "Rules")

Behavior Matrix: What are positive/expected behaviors in each location?

Behavior Acknowledgement Systems (Bear Pride, Buzz Bucks, etc.)

Systemized Response to Behavior/Discipline Policies (Plan & Process)

Social-Emotional Curriculum (RULER, Zones of Regulation, etc.)

Health Education & School Counseling Services

School-Wide/Classroom Routines

Universal Teams (to evaluate practices)

TIER 2: TARGETED EXAMPLES

Student Support Center

Response to Behavior/Plan & Process

Small Groups

Check-ins/Mentoring with Adult

Request for Assistance/ Target Team Referral Process

Target Team (to evaluate practices)

TIER 3: INTENSIVE EXAMPLES

Student Support Center

Student Behavior Plans

CORE/RBT Staff Support

Individualized Counseling

Facilitated Referral Pathway

Target Team (to evaluate practices)