Literacy

What is Literacy?

Literacy is much more than the ability to read and write. Literacy involves the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, and communicate using information and tools from a variety of physical and digital sources. It is integral in every content area, not just reading, English, and the humanities. Literacy transcends disciplines, contexts, and cultures in both academic and social skills. In this way, literacy is the catalyst for meaningful engagement with society. In fact, research indicates high literacy rates correlate with better access to economic opportunities, increased standards of living, better nutrition, civic participation, and much more.

How do we promote Literacy through an MTSS framework?

Developing student literacy is a critical consideration within school and district MTSS frameworks. The National Center for Intensive Intervention identifies five key practices effective literacy instruction and intervention:

Knowledge and use of a learning progression for developing skilled readers and writers
Design and use of an evidence-based intervention platform as the foundation for effective intervention
On-going data-based decision making for providing and intensifying interventions
Adaptations to increase the instructional intensity of the intervention
Infrastructures (systems) to support students with severe and persistent literacy
needs

As with any student academic or behavioral need, an MTSS establishes three tiers of support for literacy development and intervention. The above key practices can be implemented in alignment with the three tiers of a MTSS.

MTSS Tier and Description

Key Literacy Practice(s)

Tier 1

Core literacy instruction using research and evidence-based curriculum, resources, and practices. This is the literacy instruction provided to all student across all grade-levels and subject areas and forms a comprehensive, integrated literacy program. It includes universal literacy screening and assessment and course/content for instruction and intervention based on student needs.

Tier 1:

Knowledge and use of a learning progression for developing skilled readers and writers

Tier 2:

For students who are not meeting established literacy expectations, Tier 2 interventions can be implemented. Tier 2 interventions offer more focused instruction in small groups based on student needs with a standardized approach. Tier 2 interventions:

Remediate skill deficits
Preteach and review skills for Tier 1 lessons
Provide multiple opportunities to practice
Provide immediate corrective feedback

For literacy development, topics might include Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Study, Fluency, Vocabulary, and/or Reading Comprehension

Tier 2:

Design and use of an evidence-based intervention platform as the foundation for effective intervention
On-going data-based decision making for providing and intensifying interventions
Adaptations to increase the instructional intensity of the intervention

Tier 3:

Students who do not make adequate progress with Tier 2 intervention may benefit from the more intensive, individualized intervention within Tier 3. The Tier 3 interventions are:

Focused on individualized goals, which may or may not be on grade level
Guided by progress monitoring data
More intense, often with longer or more frequent sessions

Tier 3:

- Design and use of an evidence-based intervention platform as the foundation for effective intervention
- On-going data-based decision making for providing and intensifying interventions
- Adaptations to increase the instructional intensity of the intervention