Special Education
Technology Center
Inclusive Insights & Access Tips
Issue 11 | August 2024
Technology Infused MTSS
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework
that provides varying levels of educational support to ensure
student success through necessary interventions. Defined by
the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), MTSS encompasses
a continuum of evidence-based practices, addressing
students’ needs through regular monitoring and data-driven
decision-making. While the MTSS framework has primarily
focused on academic and behavioral interventions, there is
growing interest in how technology can optimize learning and
support. Incorporating supportive technologies into the MTSS
framework offers a promising strategy to enhance student
engagement, overcome learning barriers, and provide tailored support across different levels of need. By leveraging technology effectively, educators can
improve educational outcomes and ensure that all students have the opportunity to
succeed. Supportive technologies within MTSS are categorized into three types:
Information Technology (IT), Educational Technology (EdTech), and Assistive Technology
(AT). IT is used for data management and analysis to inform decisions, EdTech supports
academic and behavioral interventions with tools for intensive instruction, and AT provides
individualized support for students with special needs. Each technology type enhances
student learning and fosters an inclusive educational environment.
Compensatory Function of Technology
The compensatory function of technology addresses skill gaps that prevent students from meeting gradelevel expectations while they receive interventions. This approach ensures that students remain engaged and can access the curriculum, even as they work on foundational skills. For instance, a student struggling with reading decoding skills might use text-to-speech technology to participate in grade-level comprehension activities, thereby reducing the resources required for intensive reading support in the long run.Supportive
Technologies
Supportive technologies should address
various academic, behavioral, and
social/emotional needs by aligning with
the MTSS tiers. For Tier 1 (Universal
Supports), general features on
mainstream devices help all students
with basic engagement and access to
learning. Tier 2 (Targeted Supports)
involves more specific tools for groups
needing extra help. Tier 3 (Individualized
Supports) provides highly customized
technologies for students with
significant needs. The key is to match the
technology support level with the
required intensity and individualization. Balancing Remediation and Compensation
Integrating supportive technologies within MTSS involves balancing remediation and compensation. Remediation focuses on building foundational skills, while compensation allows students to participate in gradelevel instruction. This dual approach ensures that students do not fall behind while they are catching up. For example, English language learners might use audio-supported text in class while receiving targeted language instruction at another time.New & Notable
Resources: SLATE Concept Paper: Supportive Technology -Version 1
Learn More:
Inclusive Technology in Multi-tiered Systems of Support – CITES
Comprehensive Literacy for All “Book Nook” featured book: Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming
