A Multi-Tiered System of Support for Social-Emotional Learning
By: Pamela M. Collins, District MTSS Coordinator
The work that is done in Craven County Schools to better serve our students is addressed in the District’s Strategic Plan. The plan is organized by goals and key strategies that guide the work in our journey of continuous improvement. MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) is one of those key strategies. The North Carolina definition of MTSS is a multi-tiered framework that promotes school improvement through engaging, research-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional practices. NC MTSS employs a systems approach using data-driven problem-solving to maximize growth for all.” MTSS provides three levels of support called tiers. The tiers of MTSS include:
● Core Instruction- on grade-level academic and/or behavioral (e.g., social-emotional, attendance, discipline) instruction that includes differentiation for struggling students as well as students working above grade level
● Supplemental Instruction (in addition to Core Instruction)-acceleration and/or remediation in prerequisite grade level skills for students who are at-risk academically or behaviorally, or enrichment for students working above grade level.
● Intensive Instruction (in addition to Core and Supplemental Instruction)-more intensive or more frequent instruction on prerequisite grade level skills for students who are at-risk academically and/or behaviorally, or more intensive enrichment opportunities for students performing well above grade level.
Social-Emotional Learning is provided to all students and one of the key areas of focus within a MTSS framework. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is defined as is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL has five core competencies that are taught from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Those competencies are self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness. Research has shown that social-emotional learning can boost attendance and graduation rates and lead to better academic performance.
For 2020-2021, Craven County Schools have implemented a SEL curriculum from Kindergarten through eighth grade. We are using the Second Step as the core curriculum program. This program was selected by a committee that met over several months and represented teachers, school administrators, and school counselors from across the district. The Second Step curriculum provides guidance and practice on skills for everyday success. The program focuses on helping students gain confidence, set goals, and make better choices. The program is easy to use and integrate into the classroom or by remote learning. Supplemental and intensive supports are also provided for students in need of additional guidance. School counselors work with students to help them deal with the everyday stressors and provides strategies to help students handle anxiety and other social and emotional needs they may have.
At the high school level, SEL competencies are being integrated into core instruction throughout the school day. The high schools also use community-building exercises, mindfulness exercises, cool down stations, and SEL wellness centers. These centers provide students with a place to de-stress, reflect, and refocus on their own well-being and their academics, including planning for their future.
There is a great concern for all students at this time due to Covid-19 and the effect it has had on students emotionally. There is an increase in stress and anxiety and the school district is providing all the support possible through the implementation of SEL programs, providing training for staff, and encouraging self-care for teachers, so they can better support the growing needs of all students. School counselors at all school levels are actively reaching out to students and families to provide strategies to help students manage the stress and anxiety they are feeling during these uncertain times. Craven County Schools is committed to providing needed professional development for staff and resources to all of our students to help them cope and overcome trauma, so they will flourish academically and emotionally.
