Hello fellow educators and lifelong learners!
The emphasis on personalized learning, student well-being, and holistic development has never been more crucial. As the chief learning officer at Thrively, and a former assistant state superintendent and superintendent of schools, I remain focused on creating the conditions and implementing the systems critical to ensure that every child’s unique needs are met.
History has taught me that this is easier said than done. Today, I’m diving into a topic at the core of our educational efforts: Operationalizing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Integrated Tiered System of Supports (ITSS) within educational spaces. These frameworks are pivotal in our journey toward nurturing every child’s inherent genius, and I’m excited to share thoughts on how we can elevate our efforts in whole child development by applying research-based approaches that get positive results!
Understanding MTSS and ITSS: Key Frameworks for Student Success
- For many of us, MTSS and ITSS represent a shift from traditional one-size-fits-all strategies to a more nuanced approach, emphasizing responsiveness to individual student needs. The idea is not just to identify students who need support but to use a framework that helps all students thrive by identifying their strengths and areas for growth early on. MTSS and ITSS serve as frameworks designed to address the varying needs of students through a structured support system divided into three tiers.
- Tier 1 encompasses universal support provided to all students. This is where universal screeners come into play. By leveraging data to identify strengths and areas for improvement, educators can make informed decisions about instructional strategies that benefit the entire class.
- Tier 2 is aimed at students who require additional support beyond what is offered at Tier 1. Here, targeted interventions and small-group instruction become essential to address specific learning needs.
- Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized support for students facing significant learning challenges or those who require more specialized attention.
It’s important for me to note that universal screeners play a critical role in the MTSS/ITSS approach. They allow us to gather specific data that illuminate students’ academic achievements, social-emotional well-being, and overall needs. At Thrively, we hold a core belief: Every child has a genius and they deserve to thrive. By focusing on strengths-based education and asset-based learning, we are committed to supporting educators in unlocking students’ fullest potential. We believe in a strengths-based approach to education that aligns with MTSS/ITSS principles. But how do we leverage and operationalize our resources across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports?
Thrively’s Role in Operationalizing MTSS/ITSS
Thrively offers a wealth of research-based resources specifically designed to operationalize the MTSS and ITSS implementation process, facilitating whole child development. Our resources focus on strengths, well-being, and hope—key components in nurturing a child’s overall growth and development
1. Strengths Assessment and Well-Being Index
- Tier 1: Strengths Assessment – At Tier 1, we aim to provide foundational support for all students. Here is where our Strengths Assessment becomes invaluable. Thrively’s Strengths Assessment is the industry’s first strengths assessment developed from the ground up by board-certified pediatric neuropsychologists. This 30-40 minute assessment helps students identify, understand and articulate their strengths, discover personal passions, and unlock their own personal genius.
By identifying individual strengths, teachers can utilize these insights to tailor instruction that not only engages students but also capitalizes on their positive learning identities. This creates a vibrant learning environment where students engage more deeply because they’re working from their strengths. Research underscores that students are 30 times more engaged when a school is committed to building on their strengths and when they feel known and supported.
- Well-Being Index – Additionally, our Well-Being Index (a quick 60-90 second check-in), allows educators to hear directly, quickly and systematically from each student. Understanding how students are feeling and functioning enhances our ability to adjust teaching strategies, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for learning. Using the Well-Being Index allows educators to capture a holistic view of each student’s sense of their own physical, emotional and social health. For Tier 1, it helps create a supportive environment, while for Tiers 2 and 3, it assists educators and counselors in identifying students who may need targeted social-emotional interventions. Research shows that well-being leads to emotional security, high executive functioning and meaningful achievement.
2. The Hope Index: Fostering Growth Mindset
- Hope Index – Hope is not only an emotion, it is a cognitive trait. Thrively helps measure and nurture Hope in every child. The Thrively Hope Index (a quick 2-minute quarterly survey) measures agency (the determination to reach goals) and pathways (the ability to create ways to meet goals and to overcome barriers). By incorporating Hope Index during the screening process at Tier 1, educators can foster a growth mindset through curriculum that inspires and promotes goal-setting. For those at Tier 2 and 3, the Hope Index can guide tailored support plans, instilling in students a sense of purpose and direction. Research shows that when learners have Hope, they become more confident and build core skills that are the primary predictors of success in academics, career and life.
Supporting Whole Child Development with Thrively’s Tools
Building a supportive educational environment goes beyond academic performance; it encompasses emotional health, social skills, and personal interests. Thrively is committed to the principle that whole child development should be the bedrock of education. Our tiered resources align with this mission by focusing on strengths, emotional health, and Hope through a comprehensive approach.
Whether in Tier 1 providing universal support, small-group interventions in Tier 2, or intensive personalized support in Tier 3, Thrively’s research-based resources and tools provide educators with actionable data and insights.
As we continue to evolve our educational practices, let’s remember that every child has a unique genius within them, waiting to be unlocked.
How Thrively is Revolutionizing Education
Thrively provides the tools and insights necessary to build a strengths-based, joyful, and hopeful classroom. By using universal screeners and implementing Thrively’s Strengths Assessment, Well-Being Index, and Hope Index, you’re not just improving academic performance—you’re fostering the emotional and social skills that lead to lifelong success.
With MTSS and ITSS frameworks, Thrively helps educators create an equitable and inclusive learning environment for every child.
Let’s work together to unlock every child’s potential, ensuring they thrive—not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and personally.
Learn More About Thrively’s Resources
Interested in learning how Thrively can support your educational journey? Explore the following resources:
- Thrively Overview Video (1.5 minutes)
- Comprehensive Overview Video (5 minutes)
- Guide to Creating Strengths-Based Classrooms
For personalized support, feel free to reach out to me directly at marion@thrively.com.
Your partner in humanizing learning,
Dr. Marion Smith Jr.
Chief Learning Officer, Thrively