Common Core State Standards and Diverse Urban Students: Using Multi-tiered Systems of Support
This publication says that “implementing the Common Core State Standards within a framework of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) will help ensure that all students have an evidence-based system of instruction to assist them in achieving success.” Using performance data and monitoring learning rates through MTSS, the authors contend that educators can make important instructional decisions to meet the needs of students from different backgrounds, learning styles, and levels of attainment. This paper emphasizes the importance of data-based decision making in implementing the CCSS while meeting the specialized and diverse needs of urban students. In addition, the paper provides examples using a common core model lesson. The audience for this paper includes school board members, superintendents, chief academic officers, curriculum and instruction administrators, leading education administrators, and others to help guide their thinking about how the common core standards can be implemented in a way that will ensure that the broadest array of urban students are college and career ready.
This report is a useful resource which school and district administrators can use as they consider how to best design an evidence-based system to support their “Special Needs” populations, especially by reframing support in relation to the Diverse Learner framework.