Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

MTSS Framework and Legislation

South Carolina MTSS Framework and Guidance Document
MTSS Law (adopted May 18, 2018)

Background of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in SC

On May 18, 2018, Governor Henry McMaster signed into law Act 213, which directed districts to implement MTSS beginning in the 2019–20 school year.

In South Carolina (SC), successful student outcomes are the goal of all we do. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) provides a framework for providing strong core instruction and delivering early intervention for every student in need of support to attain or maintain grade-level performance. This is accomplished by effectively utilizing best instructional practices within an evidence-based instructional model and requires an ongoing, systematic process of using student data to guide instructional and intervention decisions.

Two legislative mandates seek to improve student outcomes in SC. Act 213 requires Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to use a universal screening process to identify students who may be at risk of experiencing academic or other difficulties and implement appropriate instruction and evidence-based intervention for these students. Act 114, otherwise known as the Read to Succeed Act, addresses interventions and supports that are provided to improve core instruction and student outcomes. MTSS is not a special education initiative; rather, it prompts schools to use a data-based problem-solving model to create a strong core instructional foundation and provide support to all students to meet their academic and behavioral needs. The law requires universal literacy screening for grades K-1 and as needed for grade 2.

MTSS Reminders for the 2025-26 School Year

MTSS data will still be due at the end of the 2025-26 school; despite the new field validation in PowerSchool, the SCDE will still only collect this information at the end of the school year.
All districts and charter schools are required to screen all kindergarten and first grade students three times a year for potential reading difficulties. (Literacy Screener)
More information on the annual reporting may be found on the MTSS State Reporting page.

MTSS Gather and Grow Collaboratives

Integrating Academic and Behavioral Support within the MTSS Framework - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Steve Goodman
School Spotlight: Dorchester 2

Data Based Problem Solving - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Judy Elliott
School Spotlight: Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School

The Science of Learning - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul Riccomini
School Spotlight: Aiken County Public Schools

Vocabulary Across Content Areas - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Pam Kastner
School Spotlight: Newberry Elementary School

Supplemental Tier 1 Support and Tier 2 Intervention in Math - Recording

Guest Speaker: Zearn
School Spotlight: Carolina Springs Middle School

Making the Most of Tier 1 Instruction - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Stollar
School Spotlight: North Charleston Elementary School

Intervention Through Tier 2 and Tier 3 - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Devin Kearns

Behavior in Tier 1 - Recording

Guest Speaker: Steven Rufe

Prevention Through Tier 1 Instruction - Recording

Guest Speaker: Dr. Judy Elliott

Designing an MTSS System - Slides available on request

Guest Speaker: Dr. Lee Westberry

Intentionally Assessing Progress - Slides available on request

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jason Harlacher

Learning Disorders Task Force (LDTF)

Approved Literacy Universal Screeners for the 2025–26 School Year

Acadience Reading (previously called DIBELS Next) from Acadience;
aimswebPLUS from Pearson;
Amira, distributed by Amira Learning and its official distributor, HMH;
Classworks Universal Screener from Classworks;
DIBELS 6^th and 8^th Editions from the University of Oregon Center for Teaching and Learning;
Imagine+ Early Literacy/Dyslexia Screener;
easyCBM from Riverside Insights;
Fastbridge from FastBridge;
iReady Diagnostic from Curriculum Associates, LLC;
iSTEEP from iSTEEP Learning;
MAP Reading Fluency from NWEA;
mCLASS with DIBELS 8^th Edition from Amplify;
STAR CBM from Renaissance Learning; and
STAR Early Literacy if used with STAR CBM fluency tasks.

Grade	Abilities/Skills
Kindergarten	Alphabetic Principle (Letter-Sound Relationships) Alphabet Knowledge (Letter-Naming) Phonological Awareness
First Grade	Alphabetic Principle (Letter-Sound Relationships) Alphabet Knowledge (Letter-Naming) Phonological Awareness Fluency

Other Screening Protocols

Act 213 also recommends that districts develop procedures for screening and identifying at risk students in other areas, such as numeracy and behavioral health. Information on how to develop universal screening and intervention protocols may be found in the state MTSS framework document.

If your district would like assistance in developing a universal screening process or selecting tools, please email Charlene Gleaton at cgleaton@ed.sc.gov.

MTSS Request or Question?

If you have any questions about MTSS implementation, or have a request for training or support, please use this form to contact our state MTSS coordinator.

This form is intended for SC educators and administrators who:

have questions about implementing MTSS,
would like additional or targeted MTSS resources, and/or
have a request for MTSS training or support from the SCDE.

Once your question or request is submitted, a member of the Office of Instructional Supports (OIS) will follow up with more information.