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Language: English
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an important addition to a long list of initiatives designed to ensure educational equity for all students. Veteran educators will recognize many MTSS strategies as practices they already use, while others may feel uncertain or overwhelmed by yet another framework. This book bridges that gap—grounding MTSS in authentic classroom experience and practical wisdom.
Through vivid, real-life stories, the authors illuminate both the complexity and the humanity of school-based work. Drawing on decades of experience—as a classroom teacher and as a school counselor/psychologist—their narratives span from 1982 to the present day, including insights from K–12 settings and university teaching. Each chapter presents a compelling case study highlighting student and classroom engagement across grade levels. These stories invite reflection and dialogue around research-based best practices and educational theory, with each chapter concluding in a transparent explanation of the authors’ professional thinking.
Readers will trace the evolution of educational practice over time—from an era when Culturally Responsive Pedagogy was rarely discussed to today’s emphasis on inclusive, socially-constructed learning environments. The book chronicles the profession’s broader shift from behaviorism to social constructivism and demonstrates how that journey informs effective MTSS implementation.
The case studies illustrate how culturally responsive practices, data-informed decision making, and authentic relationships with students create the conditions where academic growth, positive behavior, and social-emotional wellness intersect. Universal (Tier I), Targeted (Tier II), and Intensive (Tier III) supports—across academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning—are woven seamlessly throughout.
Ideal as an introduction to both the theory and practical application of MTSS, this book offers clarity, compassion, and hard-earned insight. It is designed to spark meaningful discussion in teacher preparation programs, professional learning communities, school buildings, and district leadership teams.
Perfect for courses such as: Positive Behavior Supports; Role and Function of a School Psychologist: Positive Behavior Supports (Practicum); Crisis, Trauma Response, and Interventions; Academic Assessment & Intervention; Community, Family, and School Collaboration; Curriculum and Inquiry in Public Schools; Fundamentals of Teaching; Access to Learning in a Pluralistic Society; Teaching Emergent Bilingual Students and Students with Disabilities
Introduction
Chapter One
Historical Narrative
Chapter Two
Case Study - A Boy Named June
Chapter Three
Case Study - Call Me Coach Ismael
Chapter Four
Case Study - Chris Jones
Chapter Five
Case Study - Eric in Charge
Chapter Six
Case Study - Tim
Chapter Seven
Case Study - Marianna
Chapter Eight
Case Study - Patty
Chapter Nine
Case Study - Love, Empathy, & Respect: Rhys & Julio
Chapter Ten
Case Study - Secondary School Teacher Credential Candidates, the Arts, & MTSS
Chapter Eleven
Case Study - Nathaniel
Chapter Twelve
Case Study - Sean
Chapter Thirteen
Case Study - Rebecca
Chapter Fourteen
Case Study - Bertha
Chapter Fifteen
Case Study - Gwen
Chapter Sixteen
Case Study - Christopher
Appendix
Recommended Further Readings
About the Authors
Index
NOTE: Table of Contents subject to change up until publication date.
“Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action is a thoughtful and compelling contribution to the field. Tomasini and Johnson bring MTSS to life through real stories that illuminate both the complexity and the humanity of our work in schools. Their case studies demonstrate how culturally responsive practice, data-informed decision making, and genuine connection with students create the conditions where learning, behavior, and wellness intersect. For educators seeking practical, compassionate models of MTSS implementation, this book delivers clarity, heart, and hard-earned wisdom.”
Trish Hatch, PhD, Founder & Board Chair, Hatching Results, Inc., Author of The Use of Data in School Counseling, Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University
“Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action is a must-read for Professional School Counselors, School Psychologists, teachers, and graduate students who want a better understanding of how Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) strategies should be employed to support students’ academic, behavior, and social/emotional learning. Readers will benefit from years of wisdom from two experts in the field of education while reviewing case studies and contemplating questions and options posed to strengthen their own understanding and practice. A great resource for graduate students and professionals alike.”
Dr. Bobbi Alba, Assistant Professor, School Counseling and Psychology, Azusa Pacific University
“In their new book, Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action, Alice Tomasini and Julia Johnson use the power of storytelling to illuminate injustices within the educational system. Through illustrative case studies, they introduce strategies to bring healing, equity, and justice for all students. This is an excellent introduction to the theory and practice of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and will serve as a catalyst for discussion in the classroom, the school building, and the district office.”
Dean Lesicko, Past President, California Association of School Counselors
“Having read Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action, I can only say I wish it had been available when I was working as a teacher and administrator at the high school level and when I spent years training teachers and administrators at the university level. The case studies give practical advice for teachers and administrators who are working to help all students be successful academically and socially. This should be in the hands of all administrators and used in training of all teachers.”
Dr. Robert Denham, Retired Administrator, Professor and Dean Emeritus, School of Education, University of Redlands
“This groundbreaking collection fills a critical gap in MTSS literature by offering real-world case studies spanning Kindergarten - college—a breadth rarely seen in educational resources. By examining actual student-educator interactions and identifying specific MTSS strategies that have transformed outcomes, this book provides practical tools for anyone supporting learners. The exclusive focus on case studies makes complex theory immediately actionable, offering educators at every level concrete pathways to strengthen their classroom practice and support the academic and behavioral growth of all students.”
Margie Moriarty, Ed.D, Principal, United Sierra Education Center (USEC), CCEA+ Administrator of the Year (twice)