#68: Using MTSS to Prevent Reading Failure with Dr. Stephanie Stollar & Dr. Sarah Brown
Ever Wondered What MTSS Actually Looks Like in Real Classrooms?
You’re not alone. If you’ve ever nodded along in a faculty meeting while someone threw out terms like “tiered support” or “MTSS”—but deep down wondered what that really means for your reading block—you’re in the right place.
In this episode, we sat down with two powerhouse experts—Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar—to bust the biggest myths about MTSS and show you how it’s meant to be used: not as a last-ditch intervention system, but as a proactive, preventative framework that helps more kids learn to read the first time.
And yes, it can actually make your job easier.
What Is MTSS and Why Do So Many Get It Wrong?
MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Support. It’s a framework—not a program—that schools use to align instruction, assessment, and support so every student can succeed.
But here’s the kicker: too often, MTSS gets misused as a reactive system—something you turn to after kids start struggling. In reality, it’s supposed to be proactive. As Stephanie explains, “It’s about using your data to line up resources so teachers can teach better and students can learn better.”
Sarah adds that the biggest impact happens when MTSS is used to support core instruction, not replace it. “We see a lot of effort going into identifying student needs, but very little into improving the system that created those needs in the first place.”
How Teachers Can Use MTSS Proactively
Here’s how MTSS should support your day-to-day work:
- Start with strong Tier 1 instruction. Your daily reading block is your first and best opportunity to prevent reading failure. High-quality materials, clear instructional routines, and lots of student practice are essential.
- Use universal screening data early and often. Teachers should start the year with a clear understanding of who’s at risk, then work collaboratively to meet those needs—before students fall further behind.
- Make collaboration the norm. When one teacher struggles with a concept or a student, others likely are too. MTSS is about working together, not going it alone.
- Respond with more, not just different. Tier 2 and Tier 3 support should be layered on top of core instruction—not replace it. Think: more time, more practice, smaller groups, and more feedback.
Sarah shared one of her favorite reminders: “Your students need more practice. And not just with books—but with every skill. That’s how we build mastery.”
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why MTSS isn’t just for intervention—and how it can actually simplify your teaching.
- The most common myths about MTSS that hold schools back.
- What high-quality Tier 1 instruction really looks like in K–2 classrooms.
- Simple strategies for using data to drive better decisions without drowning in spreadsheets.
- How to build a culture of collaboration—even if your school is under-resourced.
Bringing It All Together
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—but still not reaching every reader—this episode offers a fresh perspective. MTSS, when done well, isn’t more work. It’s smarter work that puts systems in place to support you and your students.
You don’t need perfect conditions or endless resources to get results. You just need the right framework—and the right people in your corner.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
Ready to take the guesswork out of teaching reading? Join The Science of Reading Formula—our step-by-step membership designed to help K–2 teachers implement the science of reading with confidence. You’ll get ongoing support, tools that actually work, and a community that gets it.
You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Let’s prevent reading failure together.
LINKS
MTSS for Reading Improvement by Dr. Stollar and Dr. Brown
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
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