Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports Overview 2nd Edition

Participating in any course on BRIDGE-RI, the home of MTSS RI, presumes a foundational understanding of multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS); therefore, it is recommended that all participants begin with this course as a prerequisite to establish common language and conceptual understanding of the framework.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the preventative ‘why’ behind an MTSS approach to school improvement

  • Define MTSS and its components

  • Understand how a data-based, problem solving culture is integral to the framework

  • Reflect on how building a tiered model should be informed by Implementation Science


Empty headingThis course is not yet open for enrollment. Check back later this fall.

Intended Audiences

K-12 Educators, Administrators, Related Service Providers, Interventionists/Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Coaches

Course Type

Self-paced

Recommended # of PLUs

3 PLUs


Teacher: Nicole Bucka

Team Foundations

Much of the work of MTSS and school improvement is done by teams and during meetings.  Healthy functioning teams get more accomplished with fewer frustrations and setbacks.  This course will guide team members and leaders through the important considerations and tasks to develop a strong team and hold effective meetings. 

Participants will be able to:

  • assemble effective teams
  • establish team operating procedures to maximize engagement and outcomes
  • develop team communication plans


Intended Audiences

School Improvement Teams, MTSS Teams, Team Members

Course Type

Self-Paced

Recommended # of PLUs

2 PLUs


2022-23 MTSS Leader Community of Practice

The purpose of this community off practice is to come together as an equity-centered community of practice in order to share with and support one another in strengthening your district and/or school’s multi-tiered systems of support.

The period of transitioning out of the global pandemic is a critical time for reflection, innovation, and forward planning. Join your colleagues across the state in leading schools into the future at this critical juncture. This CoP is jointly organized by CLEE, RIDE, and Systems of Support at BRIDGE-RI.

Dates and Times:

November 1, November 15, December 13January 24, March 7, March 21, April 18,  May 16, June13 

8:30-10:00  8:30-10:00am

Intended Audiences

District and school MTSS leaders

Course Type

Community of Practice

Recommended # of PLUs

Up to 13.5 PLUs


Course Contact: Ellen Reinhardt

Professional Learning Provider Community of Practice

This community of practice will bring together professional learning and technical assistance providers across our state to explore the nuances of supporting MTSS implementation is schools and districts.

The community aims to: 

  • Develop common understanding of MTSS and its connection to our work to better serve schools/districts

  • Form relationships and foster collaboration between provider organizations

  • Explore and share best practices related to supporting schools/districts/educators in their work to improve outcomes for students

  • Explore ways in which professional learning providers can better meet the needs of RI educators

Enrollment in this offering is closed.


Intended Audiences

Professional learning and technical assistance providers

Course Type

Community of Practice

Recommended # of PLUs

1-5PLUs


BRIDGE-RI Support: Jennifer Graham, Ellen Reinhardt

RIDE: School Improvement Process Course 1

This course is part of a three-part course series and serves as a tool to support school leaders in understanding the why and how around the school improvement process.  By the end of the Course 3, participants will be able to effectively engage their School Improvement Team in the facilitation of the school improvement process to develop a school improvement plan that meets the requirements of the Education Accountability Act (EAA).  Participants will also be able to effectively implement and monitor plans designed to improve the efficacy of teaching and learning in their individual schools.  We recommend this course to anyone who is leading the school improvement process.  Tools will be provided to participants to utilize with the School Improvement Team (SIT) members.  Topics will be presented sequentially in the order that a School Improvement Plan (SIP) would be built in the course of an academic year.  

Upon Completion of Course 1 participants will be able to:

  • Identify the required expectations as defined in the Education Accountability Act (EAA). 
  • Define each of the components of the cycle of continuous improvement.
  • Develop a school improvement calendar for your School Improvement Team (SIT).
  • Identify requirements for SIT composition as it relates to EAA.
  • Explain differences between inclusion and representation.
  • Describe structures for effective teaming as it relates to EAA.

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Intended Audiences

Administrators, School Improvement Team Chairs

Course Type

Self-Paced

Recommended # of PLUs

2 PLUs


Course Contact: Michele Walden-Doppke

RIDE: School Improvement Process Course 2

This course is the second in a three-course series developed to support school leaders in designing, facilitating, and engaging school improvement teams (SIT) in the school improvement planning process. The course was developed at RIDE by Michael Mancieri, Andrew Milligan, Amanda Turcotte, Trish Pora, Dr. Melanie Gonzalez, and Dr. Deb Dibiase, through the Office of School and District Improvement (OSDI), in partnership with BRIDGE-RI. It serves as a tool to support school leaders and SIT members in understanding the why and how of the school improvement process. Participants are automatically enrolled in this course upon successfully completing RIDE: School Improvement Process Course 1.
By the end of Course 2, participants will be able to:

  • Write an effective, comprehensive Needs Assessment
  • Determine Priorities for School Improvement
  • Conduct a Root Cause Analysis
  • Write effective SMART+E goals


Intended Audiences

Administrators, School Improvement Team Chairs

Course Type

Self-Paced

Recommended # of PLUs

2 PLUs


(Coming Soon!) RIDE: School Improvement Process Course 3

This course is the final in a three-course series developed to support school leaders in designing, facilitating, and engaging school improvement teams (SIT) in the school improvement planning process. The course was developed at RIDE by Michael Mancieri, Andrew Milligan, and Amanda Turcotte, through the Office of School and District Improvement (OSDI), in partnership with BRIDGE-RI. The course serves as a tool to support school leaders and SIT members in understanding the why and how of the school improvement process. Participants are automatically enrolled in this course upon successfully completing RIDE: School Improvement Process Courses 1 & 2.

By the end of Course 3, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and select high-quality, evidence-based initiatives to support the implementation of School Improvement SMART+E goals.

  • Equitably allocate resources required to support School Improvement Initiatives

  • Write logical action steps to ensure the implementation of School Improvement Initiatives

  • Develop a plan for monitoring progress towards the achievement of SMART+E goals


Intended Audiences

Administrators, School Improvement Team Chairs

Course Type

Self-Paced

Recommended # of PLUs

[TBD] PLUs


Cadre of Coaches Community of Practice

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is pleased to establish a Cadre of Coaches, composed of representatives from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state. This Cadre will be tasked with effectively supporting school teams working to implement evidence-based literacy instruction through the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Members will provide systems-level coaching to school and district teams working to maximize student literacy outcomes for students at risk for, or identified with disabilities. Funding for this exciting initiative is made possible through the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) offered by the United States Department of Education (USDOE), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). 


Intended Audiences

Instructional Leaders for Literacy

Course Type

Community of Practice

Recommended # of PLUs

1.5-15 PLUs