Helena Public Schools > Capital High School > Extracurricular > Clubs & Activities > MTSS – Multi-Tiered System of Supports
MTSS – Multi-Tiered System of Supports

MTSS, or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student success from a strengths-based perspective.

Initiatives Include:

  • High Fives
    • Students living the code have their names entered into a drawing to win various prizes, such as Bruin t-shirts, a coupon to Bear Necessities, free admission to a sporting event, a candy bar, six free wings at BWW, and several other options.
  • My Voice Listening Sessions: A random selection of students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 met to discuss changes they would like to see at CHS. Students requested time to work with teachers other than during lunch, before, or after school. This was the catalyst that led us to tour other high schools with an Intervention Time, which was then implemented the following school year.
    All 9th-grade students are assigned to teachers during IT, and students in other grades report to the teacher(s) they need for assistance with assignments, tests, or quizzes. They may also receive help on other classroom learning targets.
    * The purpose of Intervention Time is to remain academically engaged by offering personalized support, check-ins/monitoring, enrichment opportunities, and improved academic performance.
    * Department structuring also occurs during IT. A teacher may teach a lab for a class needing to make up the lab, and all students needing to complete that lab report to that classroom, even if the teacher is not their assigned teacher.
    * Seniors who are failing American Studies II and English 4 are assigned to that teacher at the end of Quarter 1 and report to that class through the end of the semester.
    * Sophomores with fewer than five credits are assigned an IT teacher.
    * Teachers or parents may request a student be assigned to their IT when additional support or time is needed to master concepts.
    * The counseling department provides themed Mondays. For example: February—Scholarships; March—College Search; April—Career Search; May—Summer Jobs.

 

  • Bruin Talks –Created to broaden the social-emotional component of our MTSS pyramid.
    • A popular session led by upperclassmen who visit with freshman classrooms using a scripted set of questions focused on: “The advice I would give my freshmen self to successfully navigate the next four years”.
    • A video produced by seniors explains where students can go for help with food, clothing, academic support, or mental health.
      ▪ Topics also include summer jobs, food programs, and community events available over the summer.
      ▪ This year, a script was created for teachers to review universal expectations during homeroom, as referrals have increased compared to previous years.
      ▪ Mindful Moments were shared, where students wrote thank-you notes to someone who has had an impact on their lives.
      ▪ Capital Conversation Carts were also introduced before winter break

 

  • Cell Phone Policy – MTSS helped to have a consistent cell phone policy implemented into classrooms.
    • A school-wide universal procedure that teachers utilize in their classrooms asking students to check their devices in at the beginning of each class period minimizing distractions leading to better focus and engagement among students.

For more information, please contact Assistant Principal Kathy Kidder at kkidder@helenaschools.org.