Understanding the Three Tiers of Instruction: Supporting Every Student in the Classroom

In today’s classrooms, educators face the challenge of meeting the individual needs of every student. To effectively address these needs, schools often implement a tiered approach to instruction. This method categorizes instruction into different tiers based on student’s learning needs, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of support. In this blog post, we will explore the three tiers of instruction, their purposes, and how they contribute to supporting every student’s learning journey.

Tier 1: Universal Instruction (Primary/Universal Tier)

Tier 1 instruction forms the foundation of the tiered approach and is designed to meet the needs of all students in the general education classroom. Here’s what characterizes Tier 1 instruction:

• Whole Class Instruction: Tier 1 involves high-quality, evidence-based instruction that is delivered to the entire class. It typically follows the general curriculum standards and includes differentiated teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Core Curriculum: This tier focuses on teaching grade-level content and skills. Teachers use differentiated instruction to ensure that all students have access to the curriculum and can engage meaningfully with the material.
• Formative Assessment: Ongoing formative assessments help teachers monitor student progress and identify any students who may need additional support. Teachers use this data to inform instructional decisions and provide targeted interventions as needed.
• Examples: Tier 1 instruction might include whole-group lessons in reading with differentiation through small-group activities, flexible grouping, and varied instructional strategies.

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions (Secondary/Supplemental Tier)

Tier 2 instruction provides targeted interventions for students who require additional support beyond what is provided in Tier 1. Here’s how Tier 2 interventions are characterized:

• Small Group Instruction: Students identified as needing additional support participate in small group sessions focused on specific skill deficits. These groups are often flexible and can change based on students’ progress.
• Supplemental Instruction: Tier 2 interventions supplement the core curriculum provided in Tier 1. They may include additional practice, re-teaching of concepts, and more intensive instruction in targeted areas.
• Progress Monitoring: Teachers regularly monitor the progress of students receiving Tier 2 interventions through formative assessments and data analysis. This ongoing monitoring helps determine the effectiveness of interventions and informs adjustments to instruction.