How to Use This Checklist
This checklist works best as a conversation tool, not just a compliance exercise. District leaders, principals, intervention teams, and instructional staff may all see readiness differently. Bringing those voices together helps uncover where the district is aligned and where support still depends too heavily on individual effort instead of a shared system.
Foundation
- District leadership has endorsed MTSS as a priority
- A district-level MTSS coordinator or team is in place
- Building-level teams are established with clear roles
- Staff have received foundational MTSS learning and support
- Families and community members have been informed about the process
Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 Readiness
- Universal screening happens on a reliable schedule
- Evidence-based intervention options exist for common needs
- Progress monitoring happens often enough to inform decisions
- Decision rules guide movement between tiers
- Intensive plans are individualized when students need more support
Technology and Data Infrastructure
- Staff can access student information easily and securely
- Documentation of supports is centralized
- Teams can connect attendance, academic, and behavior information
- Leaders can identify trends across buildings and student groups
Best Practices for District Readiness
- Be honest about consistency: A process that works in one building is not yet a district system
- Prioritize a few gaps first: Trying to solve everything at once usually slows implementation down
- Define what strong practice looks like: Staff need examples, not just checklist items
- Review readiness more than once: Midyear check-ins help districts measure progress and reset priorities