NRS 388.885 requires the Nevada Department of Education to establish a statewide framework for integrated student supports. Pursuant to this law, NDE adopted a widely recognized, research-based framework: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

MTSS is a proactive and preventive framework used to intentionally integrate academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports into one cohesive system. It is not a specific program or curriculum. MTSS takes a system-level approach to ensure every student receives the support they need when they need it in order to maximize their academic success and overall well-being. This framework uses a data-based decision-making process to continually assess and adjust supports for students, schools, and districts. It emphasizes early detection and timely intervention.

Student supports are categorized into three tiers:

• Tier 1 Universal Supports: Focuses on instructional practices for all students, including a high-quality core curriculum, universal prevention, universal screening, and data-based decision-making led by the school MTSS team.
• Tier 2 Targeted Interventions: Provides specialized group interventions that supplement Tier 1 supports. These include targeted skill instruction, practice opportunities, and frequent feedback, paired with progress monitoring.
• Tier 3 Individualized Supports: Reserved for students whose needs are not met in Tiers 1 and 2. Supports are evidence-based and individualized, potentially involving external or community-based providers.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) is committed to building capacity for sustained MTSS implementation through a close partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Nevada Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Technical Assistance Center.

The Nevada MTSS Project, housed within the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) at UNR, operates as the state's PBIS and MTSS Technical Assistance Center. The center receives funding through the NDE to support districts and schools across the state.

How the Partnership Supports Nevada Schools:

• Capacity Building: The UNR TA Center provides targeted training, coaching, and evaluation to Local Education Agencies (LEAs—school districts and charter schools) to help them establish, scale up, and sustain MTSS with high fidelity.
• Implementation Science: The partnership is grounded in the stages of implementation science (Exploration, Installation, Initial Implementation, Full Implementation) to ensure that MTSS is adopted effectively and leads to lasting, positive change.
• Focus on Outcomes: By providing a clear, evidence-based framework, this collaboration has resulted in measurable improvements across participating Nevada schools, including stronger academic outcomes, increased student attendance, and noticeable reductions in behavioral incidents.

School Districts who participate in the Nevada MTSS Project establish District Leadership Teams to:

• Engage in action planning
• Develop universal screening practices
• Select evidence-based practices to be used across all tiers
• Monitor progress and make data-based decisions

Staff from participating schools:

• Attend training tailored to meet district goals
• Receive on-site coaching

If you have questions regarding Nevada's MTSS Project, please contact Kaci Fleetwood. Kaci Fleetwood, M. Ed., BCBA, LBA