MTSS Alignment Guide

Introduction

As educators, we know that academic success doesn’t happen in isolation. Students’ social and emotional development is deeply intertwined with their ability to focus, learn, and thrive in school. That’s why aligning Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is one of the most powerful steps a school can take to support the whole child.

In this post, we’ll break down how MTSS and SEL can work hand-in-hand, why alignment matters, and how your school can implement a seamless, tiered support system that addresses both behavior and emotional well-being.

What is MTSS?

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework that organizes academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions into three levels of support:

• Tier 1: Universal supports provided to all students

• Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students at risk

• Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant needs
  
  

MTSS is grounded in equity, prevention, and data-driven decision-making, making it the ideal structure to house SEL practices.

What is SEL?

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills they need to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL encompasses five core competencies:

1. Self-awareness

2. Self-management

3. Social awareness

4. Relationship skills

5. Responsible decision-making
   
   

SEL programs improve school climate, reduce behavior issues, and boost academic outcomes—but only when implemented systematically.

Why Align SEL with MTSS?

When SEL is embedded within MTSS, schools can:

• Deliver the right level of SEL support to each student

• Leverage data to guide intervention decisions

• Prevent behavior issues before they escalate

• Build a schoolwide culture of emotional intelligence

• Maximize the impact of limited resources
  
  

This alignment creates a unified system that supports students’ academic and emotional needs in tandem.

Tiered SEL Supports: What It Looks Like

Let’s explore how SEL activities and strategies can be mapped across MTSS tiers:

• Positive behavior systems

• Schoolwide mindfulness | - Morning check-ins

• Growth mindset lessons

• Class norms and routines | | Tier 2 | Targeted small group SEL | - SEL skill-specific small groups

• Behavior monitoring

• Restorative conversations | - Group sessions on conflict resolution

• Journaling for stress management

• Peer support circles | | Tier 3 | Intensive individual SEL | - 1:1 counseling

• Personalized behavior plans

• Trauma-informed interventions | - Weekly coaching with counselor

• SEL-based IEP goals

• Behavior tracking contracts |
  
  

This structure ensures that SEL is not just a one-size-fits-all program, but a responsive support system.

How to Use Data for Tier Assignment

MTSS relies on a variety of data sources to identify student needs. Here’s how schools can use SEL-related data:

• SEL Screener scores

• Teacher observations

• Behavior referrals or discipline records

• Attendance trends

• Self-report student surveys

• Academic performance correlations
  
  

By collecting and analyzing this data, educators can determine which tier of support a student needs and which specific SEL skill areas to target.

Implementation Steps: How to Align SEL and MTSS

1. Create a Cross-Functional Team
   Bring together counselors, SEL coordinators, administrators, and MTSS leads to build a shared vision.
   
   

2. Choose or Develop a Universal SEL Screener
   Use tools aligned with CASEL competencies and ensure they are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.
   
   

3. Define Tier Criteria and Cut Scores
   Use screener results and other data to define thresholds for Tier 2 and Tier 3 placement.
   
   

4. Map Your Existing SEL Resources
   Align your SEL content (e.g., videos, workbooks, lessons) to MTSS tiers using tags for CASEL domain, grade band, and format.
   
   

5. Train Staff on Tiered Delivery
   Provide PD on how to deliver universal SEL, facilitate small groups, and implement intensive supports.
   
   

6. Launch Schoolwide SEL
   Start with universal SEL practices and gradually layer in Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.
   
   

7. Monitor Progress and Adjust
   Use short “pulse checks,” exit tickets, or reflections to assess growth and adjust tiers as needed.
   
   

Equity Considerations

To ensure your aligned MTSS + SEL framework is equitable:

• Use inclusive, bias-free screener tools

• Translate materials for multilingual families

• Include SEL competencies related to identity, bias, and belonging

• Offer parent opt-in with clear communication
  
  

This ensures that SEL is accessible and impactful for all students.

Conclusion

When SEL is alig
ned with MTSS, schools build a powerful support structure that addresses the whole child. With the right data, tools, and practices in place, educators can ensure that every student receives the social-emotional instruction and support they need to thrive.

By investing in a tiered SEL approach, schools not only improve student outcomes—they also foster safer, more inclusive learning environments where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered.