About Us
The Nevada Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Project is a statewide initiative working in close alignment with the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and the Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Nevada MTSS is housed within the Nevada PBIS Technical Assistance Center at the University of Nevada, Reno. Since its inception in 2014, the project has aimed to build state and local capacity for establishing and sustaining a proactive, data-driven framework that integrates academic, social-emotional, mental health, and behavioral supports. Nevada MTSS supports agency-level infrastructure for state and local educational agencies, correctional and treatment facilities, and other community organizations. Nevada MTSS provides coaching, training, and evaluation services and technical assistance to implementation partners.
MTSS is a unified approach to giving every student what they need, when they need it.
Nevada’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) aims to create a proactive and preventive approach. This system combines academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to help every student succeed and thrive.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports Pyramid
The MTSS Pyramid is a tiered system, with different levels of support designed to meet individual student needs:
- Tier 1: Universal Supports (Base of the Pyramid)
Focuses on instructional practices for all students, including a high-quality core curriculum, universal prevention, universal screening, and data-based decision-making led by the school MTSS team. - Tier 2: Targeted Supports (Middle of the Pyramid)
Provides specialized group interventions that supplement Tier 1 supports. These include targeted skill instruction, practice opportunities, and frequent feedback, paired with progress monitoring. - Tier 3: Intensive, Individualized Supports (Top of the Pyramid)
Provides individualized, intensive interventions for students with the most significant academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health needs that have not responded adequately to Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. These interventions are driven by individualized assessment and ongoing progress monitoring, with collaborative problem-solving among educators, families, and specialized support providers to develop and adjust highly personalized support plans.
Nevada’s MTSS Core Elements
The Equity Circle is a collaborative component of Nevada’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that promotes equitable access, opportunity, and support for every student. Grounded in the belief that all learners deserve the resources and educational rigor they need to succeed, the Equity Circle brings together diverse stakeholders to engage in shared decision-making, examine data, identify and address disparities, and develop culturally responsive practices that support academic, behavioral, social and emotional growth. Through ongoing collaboration, reflection and action, the Equity Circle helps ensure that school systems continuously improve policies, practices and resource allocation so that every student can thrive regardless of race, ethnicity, language, disability, gender, family background or income.
Based on Nevada’s Framework for an Equitable Integrated System of Student Supports (MTSS), equity-centered practices are essential to reducing barriers, eliminating achievement gaps, and creating inclusive learning environments where all students can achieve success.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding Nevada’s MTSS Project, please contact Kaci Fleetwood at kacif@unr.edu or (775) 682-9047.