Which educational framework emphasizes graduated levels of intervention?

The correct answer is the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This framework is designed to meet the academic and behavioral needs of all students through a tiered approach involving varying levels of intervention based on the intensity of the student’s needs.

MTSS emphasizes the concept that interventions can be scaled up or down, providing different levels of support to match student requirements. The tiers typically range from universal support for all students, to targeted interventions for some, and finally to intensive support for a few students who need it most. This structured approach allows educators to identify students in need and provide appropriate resources, making it possible to address a wide range of challenges effectively.

In contrast, while Response to Intervention (RTI) shares similar principles focusing on academic supports through tiers, it does not encompass behavioral interventions as comprehensively as MTSS does. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is specifically designed for students with disabilities and is tailored to meet their specific needs rather than focusing on graduated interventions for all students. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) primarily addresses behavioral support, focusing more on prevention and positive behavior reinforcement rather than a comprehensive view of academic and behavioral supports available through an MTSS framework.