In the context of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Tier 2 interventions serve as targeted supports for students who require more assistance than what is provided in the general Tier 1 classroom environment but do not yet need the intensive individualized support of Tier 3. These interventions typically focus on smaller groups and are designed to address specific academic, social-emotional, or behavioral challenges.

Key Components of Tier 2 in MTSS and PBIS:

1. Academic Support (MTSS Tier 2)

• Targeted Instruction: Focuses on specific skills where students need improvement, such as reading comprehension, math fluency, or writing. Instruction is often delivered in small groups and is supplemental to core classroom instruction.
• Progress Monitoring: Regular monitoring of student progress using formative assessments, such as curriculum-based measures (CBMs), to determine if interventions are effective or need adjustment.
• Evidence-Based Interventions: Resources and strategies are data-driven and research-supported, ensuring they are effective in addressing the targeted skills.
• Frequent, Short-Term Sessions: Typically, Tier 2 interventions are delivered more frequently than Tier 1 (e.g., 3-4 times a week) for short, focused sessions (20-30 minutes).

1. Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support (PBIS Tier 2)

• Check-In/Check-Out (CICO): A widely used Tier 2 strategy where students check in with a staff member at the beginning and end of the day to review behavioral goals and track progress. It provides structure and accountability for students needing moderate behavioral support.
• Social Skills Groups: Small group interventions designed to teach students specific skills, such as conflict resolution, anger management, and positive peer interactions.
• Mentorship Programs: Pair students with mentors or staff members to provide additional guidance, support, and encouragement.
• Behavior Contracts: Agreements between students and teachers or administrators outlining expected behaviors and rewards or consequences tied to achieving those behaviors.
• Self-Monitoring Tools: Tools that encourage students to track their own behavior or emotional regulation throughout the day, fostering independence and self-awareness.

Tier 2 Resources for High School Students in MTSS and PBIS

Academic Tier 2 Resources:

1. Reading & Literacy Interventions:

• Lexia PowerUp Literacy: An adaptive literacy program for struggling readers that builds reading skills through scaffolded practice in comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Corrective Reading: Direct, intensive instruction in reading for students with significant reading deficits.
• Read 180: A program that addresses reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary using adaptive learning technology and teacher-led small groups.

1. Math Interventions:

• FastBridge: An assessment and intervention platform for math and literacy that provides teachers with real-time data to adjust interventions.
• ALEKS: A personalized math program that uses adaptive learning to identify specific areas where students need support.
• Math 180: A math intervention designed to address gaps in foundational math skills through differentiated instruction.

1. Study Skills and Organizational Support:

• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): A program that helps students develop critical thinking, organizational, and study skills to support their academic success.
• Executive Functioning Programs: Interventions that focus on time management, organization, and self-regulation, which are crucial for students who struggle with executive functioning deficits.

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Tier 2 Resources:

1. Behavior Monitoring Systems:

• SWIS (School-Wide Information System): A data collection system that tracks behavior referrals, helping schools identify students who may need Tier 2 behavioral interventions.
• PBIS Rewards: A digital tool that helps schools implement and track positive reinforcement strategies, encouraging good behavior and helping monitor Tier 2 interventions.

1. Social Skills and Emotional Regulation Programs:

• Second Step: A program that provides social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons tailored to middle and high school students, addressing issues such as empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional management.
• Zones of Regulation: A framework to help students categorize their emotions and use self-regulation strategies to control their behavior.
• WhyTry Program: A resilience education program that teaches students coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills through a variety of engaging materials.

1. Behavioral Support Systems:

• Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs): Customized plans designed for students exhibiting challenging behaviors. These plans outline specific interventions to help the student improve their behavior.
• Restorative Practices: Programs that focus on relationship-building and conflict resolution, helping students learn from their mistakes through structured dialogues and reflection activities.

1. Self-Monitoring Apps:

• ClassDojo: A platform that helps students track their behavior and teachers give feedback in real-time.
• Daily Behavior Report Cards (DBRCs): Paper or digital tools where students and teachers rate behavior at the end of each class period, helping students stay accountable for their behavior throughout the day.

Best Practices for Implementing Tier 2 in MTSS/PBIS:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize data from universal screeners and formative assessments to identify students who need Tier 2 support.
• Family Involvement: Engage families in understanding the support their child is receiving, encouraging consistent reinforcement at home.
• Fidelity of Implementation: Ensure that Tier 2 interventions are implemented with fidelity—meaning that they are delivered as designed and regularly monitored for effectiveness.
• Cultural Relevance: Select interventions that are culturally responsive and meaningful to the diverse needs of high school students.

Tier 2 supports are designed to be proactive and preventive, providing the right amount of support before students need more intensive interventions. They are critical in helping students succeed both academically and behaviorally.