Course Sequence

Certificate in MTSS (18 Credits) 

  • The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth introduction to the foundational concepts and recent history of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in primary and secondary school settings. Students will learn of the rationale behind and intend outcomes of multi-tiered systems of support in K-12 settings; how these systems are often organized and function; and critically, how schools begin the process of designing and implementing their own MTSS. Students will be exposed to topics of assessment, data-based decision making, and intervention strategies across contexts, as well as organizational strategies to promote implementation. Subsequent courses will cover each of these areas in greater depth and will provide opportunities for greater development of skill and expertise. By participating in this course, students will have the foundational knowledge required to begin help their school systems begin to evaluate the range of support currently available and identify future implementation needs. 

  • The purpose of this course is to provide students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills required to engage in multiple forms of assessment used within MTSS frameworks, and to use data collected from such assessments to guide decision making and consultation at the individual and systems levels. This course will help students learn the basics of psychometrics, assessment (focused primarily on curriculum-based, or general outcome measurement), and will familiarize students with current best-practices in data-based decision making. It is expected that students completing this course will be able to translate findings from research into data practices that guide and improve support for all learners.

  • Successful implementation of MTSS often requires multiple forms of ongoing consultation by individuals with technical knowledge and skills in guiding others through a process of problem-solving and professional development. The purpose of this course is to build skills that will enable provision of consultation to enhance the quality of assessment, decision making, and intervention practices, and also to build upon developing skill in consultation around planning and initial implementation of MTSS.

  • One of the largest barriers to effective implementation of MTSS is knowing how to intervene, and with which interventions. Informed by the latest science, as well as field-based experience, this course has been designed to offer in-depth training on reading interventions for the elementary grades. Course participants will gain expertise in the science of learning to read, and in evidence-based reading intervention. Lessons will cover how to determine which students require intervention, the nature of each student’s skill-based needs, and how to use data to find interventions that target those needs.

    NOTE: This course requires a weekly, virtual, one-hour synchronous learning session with the instructor. 

  • The focus of this course is on the role of the inclusive classroom within the context of MTSS prevention models. The purpose is to prepare professionals to implement strategies in inclusive settings to promote school success, such as high-quality culturally-responsive instructional practices (i.e., best practice and motivationally engaging instructional strategies and evidence-based interventions) across the core content areas; high leverage practices to cultivate a positive inclusive classroom climate; methods of identifying students who are at-risk and curriculum-based measurement to monitor progress and adapt instruction and interventions effectively.

    Note: Students must register for Dr. Judy Harrison’s section in the Graduate School of Education)

  • The focus of this course is on classroom and behavior management, delivered in the context of MTSS programming. Course content is drawn from a multidisciplinary research base, and covers a continuum, including working within a range of school environments that leverage an MTSS framework to varying degrees; establishing a positive and productive learning environment; building and facilitating positive relationships, proactive data-based assessment and management of behavioral issues. 

Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) in MTSS (30 Credits) 

  • The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth introduction to the foundational concepts and recent history of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in primary and secondary school settings. Students will learn of the rationale behind and intend outcomes of multi-tiered systems of support in K-12 settings; how these systems are often organized and function; and critically, how schools begin the process of designing and implementing their own MTSS. Students will be exposed to topics of assessment, data-based decision making, and intervention strategies across contexts, as well as organizational strategies to promote implementation. Subsequent courses will cover each of these areas in greater depth and will provide opportunities for greater development of skill and expertise. By participating in this course, students will have the foundational knowledge required to begin help their school systems begin to evaluate the range of support currently available and identify future implementation needs. 

  • The purpose of this course is to provide students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills required to engage in multiple forms of assessment used within MTSS frameworks, and to use data collected from such assessments to guide decision making and consultation at the individual and systems levels. This course will help students learn the basics of psychometrics, assessment (focused primarily on curriculum-based, or general outcome measurement), and will familiarize students with current best-practices in data-based decision making. It is expected that students completing this course will be able to translate findings from research into data practices that guide and improve support for all learners.

  • Successful implementation of MTSS often requires multiple forms of ongoing consultation by individuals with technical knowledge and skills in guiding others through a process of problem-solving and professional development. The purpose of this course is to build skills that will enable provision of consultation to enhance the quality of assessment, decision making, and intervention practices, and also to build upon developing skill in consultation around planning and initial implementation of MTSS.

  • One of the largest barriers to effective implementation of MTSS is knowing how to intervene, and with which interventions. Informed by the latest science, as well as field-based experience, this course has been designed to offer in-depth training on reading interventions for the elementary grades. Course participants will gain expertise in the science of learning to read, and in evidence-based reading intervention. Lessons will cover how to determine which students require intervention, the nature of each student’s skill-based needs, and how to use data to find interventions that target those needs.

    NOTE: This course requires a weekly, virtual, one-hour synchronous learning session with the instructor. 

  • The focus of this course is on the role of the inclusive classroom within the context of MTSS prevention models. The purpose is to prepare professionals to implement strategies in inclusive settings to promote school success, such as high-quality culturally-responsive instructional practices (i.e., best practice and motivationally engaging instructional strategies and evidence-based interventions) across the core content areas; high leverage practices to cultivate a positive inclusive classroom climate; methods of identifying students who are at-risk and curriculum-based measurement to monitor progress and adapt instruction and interventions effectively.

    Note: Students must register for Dr. Judy Harrison’s section in the Graduate School of Education)

  • The focus of this course is on classroom and behavior management, delivered in the context of MTSS programming. Course content is drawn from a multidisciplinary research base, and covers a continuum, including working within a range of school environments that leverage an MTSS framework to varying degrees; establishing a positive and productive learning environment; building and facilitating positive relationships, proactive data-based assessment and management of behavioral issues.

  • The purpose of this course is to provide students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills required to develop comprehensive school-based mental health (CSBMH) programs using a MTSS framework. This course will provide an overview of MTSS and facilitate students' understanding of key components of well-developed CSBMH programs. The course will highlight the importance of developing prevention and intervention programming focused on using social emotional learning to build evidence-based prevention and intervention programs. Readings and assignments will challenge students to explore issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and their influence on systemic change. Students will also begin to develop their understanding of school systems and the steps required to implement sustainable CSBMH programs. It is expected that students completing this course will be able to translate findings from research into implementation practices that guide and improve the delivery of mental health services.

  • The purpose of this course is for students to gain foundational knowledge of how children and youth develop knowledge and skill in numeracy, as well as methods schools can use to foster development of these skills in children who require intervention, and assessment strategies that inform intervention.

  • This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework in secondary educational settings. It focuses on the unique complexities of secondary school structures and schoolwide practices, highlighting how MTSS implementation at the secondary level differs from elementary settings. Students will explore how tiered services are organized and function, as well as the initial steps in designing and executing MTSS for middle and high schools. Through this course, students will learn evidence-based strategies to address the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of secondary students, emphasizing the development of systems that support all learners, including those at risk.

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