Sarah DeCotis, M.Ed
National Literacy Director
Liam* is a seven-year-old student in Illinois. He’s bright, eager, and full of potential—but he’s struggling to keep up with reading. Like many students, Liam finds decoding tricky and gets frustrated when comprehension questions don’t make sense. Without the right support, kids like Liam often lose confidence. But with a powerful combination of the Science of Reading and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, students like Liam can thrive. This approach provides targeted, personalized support that meets each student where they are and takes them further than they ever thought possible.
Why MTSS Needs the Science of Reading
Every student’s path to literacy is unique, and MTSS is here to provide a supportive structure for each of those journeys. With MTSS, students receive just the right amount of help—from whole-class instruction to focused small-group work, or even one-on-one support when needed. When MTSS decisions are informed by the Science of Reading, the framework becomes even more effective. This research-based body of knowledge guides educators in covering all the essential language and literacy skills.
Building Strong Foundations in Tier 1
Tier 1 instruction is designed to help students succeed with high-quality, universal literacy instruction.
For teachers, this means having tools like My Reading Academy® that offer structured, Science of Reading-aligned lessons right from the start. With engaging, interactive games and stories, My Reading Academy reinforces essential reading skills in ways that are fun and meaningful, keeping students motivated and actively involved in their learning journey.
Targeted Help and Quick Wins in Tier 2
In Tier 2, small groups of students get targeted support that addresses specific skills they may be struggling with, like vocabulary or fluency. Adaptive assessments allow teachers to pinpoint exactly where each student needs extra practice, making interventions efficient and impactful. For example, in My Reading Academy, instructional pivots are made based on 100 data points taken every 3-4 minutes to provide the right support at the right time.
Personalized Paths to Success in Tier 3
For students who need the most support, Tier 3 provides intensive, one-on-one instruction. Impactful Tier III support tailors each lesson to meet a student’s precise needs and continually adjusts every few minutes based on individual progress. This level of personalized support ensures that students don’t just improve—they build lasting skills and feel empowered along the way.
Why It Matters
Combining MTSS with the Science of Reading doesn’t just improve literacy scores. It changes lives. When reading becomes accessible and enjoyable, students gain confidence that carries through to other areas of learning. Programs like My Reading Academy help ensure that no student has to feel left behind or discouraged.
When schools implement the principles of the Science of Reading into their MTSS structure, educators can make sure that every student receives the right support they need to become confident, proficient readers. This approach builds critical skills—and a love for reading—that will last a lifetime.
Learn more about our adaptive, personalized programs here.
* Liam is a fictional student, for demonstrative purposes