Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) at Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence (VACSE)
At Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence (VACSE), our unwavering commitment is to provide the best possible education to our students. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a pivotal element of our educational framework.

MTSS: A Framework for Student Success at VACSE
VACSE is dedicated to the success of every student, and this dedication has led us to embrace the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. MTSS is integral to our comprehensive school improvement efforts and is instrumental in identifying specific learning disabilities through our ‘child find process.’

What is MTSS?
Pennsylvania’s PA-MTSS is a comprehensive support system comprising standards-aligned instruction, screening, data-driven decision-making, tiered services, parental engagement, leadership at all levels, professional development, and identifying learning disabilities. PA-MTSS uses evidence-based practices to support academic and behavioral success for all students by connecting core standards and effective instructional practices.

Key Practices

• Grouping Practices: MTSS operates as an early intervention support process, aiming to enhance student achievement through tailored research-based interventions. It believes in the potential of every child to learn. It serves as both a strategy for early identification and intervention and an alternative to traditional models for identifying students with learning disabilities.
• Direct Instruction (DI): A cornerstone of our approach, DI emphasizes explicit, precise instruction delivered in small, incremental steps. Research has shown that schools implementing DI with fidelity achieve significantly better student outcomes.
• Acceleration and Accountability: Success in academics through DI hinges on acceleration and accountability. Students must experience accelerated learning and be held accountable for their progress.
• Master Instructional Plan: VACSE has developed a master instructional plan ensuring consistency in delivering Core Knowledge content across all grade levels, facilitating effective pacing and alignment with curriculum objectives.
• Data-Driven Approach: Faculty at VACSE use data to monitor the effectiveness of their teaching and student mastery, addressing any areas that need improvement through Professional Learning Communities (PLC) meetings.
• Homogeneous Grouping: Students are organized into relatively homogeneous groups in English Language Arts and Mathematics, ensuring tailored instruction for individual needs.
• Time on Task: Our Extended Day Program provides additional instruction and content support beyond the regular school day, which is particularly beneficial for at-risk students.
• Mastery and Accountability: Early mastery of basic skills leads to acceleration in higher-level skills, consistently evaluated to ensure students access the curriculum appropriately.
• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Teachers participate in PLCs, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, resulting in increased academic outcomes.
• Train-the-Trainer Model: Proficient trainers provide pre-service training to new teachers, ensuring the consistent implementation of effective teaching techniques.
• In-Class Coaching: In-class coaches, including the School Leader and Director of Instruction, offer support and ensure teachers apply their acquired skills effectively.
• Fidelity to Delivery Model: VACSE is dedicated to maintaining fidelity to its delivery model over time, ensuring consistent high student performance.
• Project-Based Learning: Besides DI, project-based learning engages students in real-world problems, fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills.
• Flipped Classroom Model: Implemented in upper grades, this model empowers students to become independent learners, shifting information delivery outside of class and promoting active learning.
  
  

Inclusion of English Language Learners (ELLs)
Our commitment to ELLs in MTSS includes meaningful access to quality, culturally competent core and ESL instruction. Differentiated instruction closes achievement gaps, considering language proficiency, educational history, immigration, socio-economic status, and culture. Assessments like ACCESS and W-APT guide us, and interdisciplinary collaboration is critical. We prioritize home-school-community partnerships for ELL success. MTSS at Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence is our commitment to excellence, providing personalized education through acceleration, accountability, data-driven instruction, and innovation.