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Tier 2: Targeted Small Group Interventions for Academic Needs

What is it?

Tier 2 intervention is provided to students who are not making adequate progress with Tier 1 instruction. Tier 2 intervention is provided as supplemental, or in addition, to Tier 1 instruction and should also be informed by student data, evidence-based, and target specific student needs. Tier 2 offers more focused instruction in order to:

  • Remediate skill deficits
  • Pre-teach and review skills for Tier 1 lessons
  • Provide multiple opportunities to practice
  • Provide immediate corrective feedback

Tier 2 intervention scheduling and delivery will vary based on school setting and needs. Typically, Tier 2 instruction is delivered in small groups ranging in size from three to five students and provided daily for 30-45 minutes for a duration of 10-12 weeks minimum. It can be provided by a general education teacher or specialized educator or personnel. Progress monitoring data should be recorded at least once every one to two weeks for all students in Tier 2 intervention to track their progress. This data will help determine if the student is making sufficient progress with the Tier 2 intervention, should remain in Tier 2 intervention after the 10-12 week period, needs an increase in the intensity of the intervention, or may require individualized, intensive intervention through Tier 3.

Infographic of MTSS 3 Tiers of Instruction and Intervention with three stacked and overlapping triangles. The second triangle as the middle layer is labeled 2 Targeted and is highlighted. Above the triangle is a text box which reads Tier 2: Targeted - Data from universal screening is analyzed and used to validate student needs and match students not meeting academic expectations with effective intervention based on their need. In Tier 2, interventions are provided within a small group setting. Schools can expect to provide Tier 2 intervention to approximately 15%-20% of students. The edge of the triangle is labeled Academics and Behavior to emphasize interventions may address academic and/or behavioral needs.

Resources

Classroom Teachers

USDOE resource – Office of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance and links to databases of evidence-based interventions based on student needs

National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) resource – Tier 2 Academic Interventions Tools Chart which provides a searchable database of intervention tools with evidence-based ratings and research information

School Administrators/District Leadership

National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) resource – Page to support local and state leadership in leading MTSS and data-based individualization with modules, briefs, guides, tools, and charts