Multi-Tiered System of Supports


A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a process for supporting all students academically, socially, and behaviorally based on data.  In DJUSD, all schools are committed to supporting all students holistically.We strive to meet all students where they are at and help them to achieve and thrive in their education. As you can see from our Instructional Coherence Map below, MTSS will be the structure that will support our district goals and Graduate Profile.

DJUSD Coherence Map

Why is DJUSD implementing MTSS for all students K-12?

MTSS will not only help teachers identify supports in the current year; it will also enable those supports to be easily and more productively transferred from grade to grade. As we identify different needs of our students, particularly as we continue to recover from the pandemic.

Who is involved in this work and what are they doing?

Each school site has an MTSS team that leads the work of looking at data and determining best supports for all students. Grade level and department teams are also using data to make changes in classroom instruction. These MTSS teams will promote best practices for all students, identify students needing small-group instruction, and connect those needing intensive support to the proper resources.

                                     MTSS Tiers

How are students being assessed in MTSS?

MTSS supports the whole child, so DJUSD is assessing students in three main areas: Social and Emotional, Behavior, and Academic. Please see the drop-downs below for more detail on each of these areas.


Social and Emotional Assessments
For the Social/Emotional component, we will be using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) with students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. This assessment will let teachers know where their students are, and provide more support to those that may need it.
Behavioral Assessments
Some schools have implemented the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS). This program teaches explicit strategies for behavior and allows teachers to address issues before they become serious.
Academic Assessments

i-Ready

i-Ready Assessments in reading and mathematics will be given three times during the school year. Learn more about i-Ready.

Standards-based Report Cards

Elementary schools use standards-based report cards. View report card samples

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

California requires all school districts to administer Smarter Balanced assessments. These online assessments are designed to measure how well students are meeting new academic standards designed to prepare them for college, career and life.

Who: Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessments Consortium (SBAC) tests in English Language Arts and Math; Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 or 12 will take the California Standards Test in Science.  

When: Each spring. Make-up tests will extend into June. Each school will develop its own schedule which will be sent out by administration.

Additional information and links: 
The Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Assessments

Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests and answers

 California Science Test (CAST) 

Early Assessment Program (EAP) allows eleventh grade students an option to participate in the assessment and share their scores with Universities in the CSU system and some community colleges.  Scores in the Standard Exceeded Level will be considered ready for college-level coursework and allowed to enroll in college degree-bearing courses upon entering a CSU or Community College. 

To see your student's scores on the CAASPP tests, please visit our Student Scores website.