A Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Students who Challenge Us

(Grades K-5) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 133T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42312


Course Description

As a busy elementary school teacher, do you find it difficult to support all your students’ individual academic and behavioral needs? Do you have certain students who challenge you more than others? This online course is designed for teachers in grades K-5 who want to learn how to use a multi-tiered system to support all their students’ academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs. Universal screening measures are examined as well as using data to guide decisions within the classroom, with a focus on identifying students at-risk for poor academic outcomes. Information on academic supports is shared including universal design for learning, culturally responsive teaching, differentiated instruction, and instilling a growth mindset in students. Specific multi-tiered strategies are introduced to help teachers support students who struggle behaviorally. Teachers will learn the importance of utilizing reinforcement techniques, preference assessments, extinction plans, functional behavior assessments, and behavior intervention plans. A variety of social-emotional strategies are also discussed, including social skills instruction and compassionate practices to support students’ mental health. By the end of the course, teachers will feel more confident and successful in their quest to embed a multi-tiered system of supports within their own teaching practices to better support students with specific learning needs, including those who have been exposed to trauma, those with language differences, and those who have learning disabilities. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"I really enjoyed this class and appreciated that I did not have to purchase a textbook to access the materials. I truly feel I have a better understanding of the MTSS model after taking this class." - Kelsey Young


Enrollment Options

Course Only

$112 with the discount

Course with Credit from UCSD

$284 with the discount

This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.

You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.


Click here to view the course syllabus.

Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.

UCSD Course Number: EDUC42312
Unit One
  • A Multi-Tiered System of Supports
  • Screening for At-Risk Students
  • Data-Based Decision Making
  • Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
  • Test #1
Unit Two
  • Inclusive Academic Instruction
  • Effective Instructional Supports
  • Developing a Growth Mindset
  • Assignment #2: Article reflection
  • Test #2
Unit Three
  • Effective Behavioral Supports
  • Recording Student Behaviors
  • Designing and Implementing Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
  • Assignment #3: Share your expertise
  • Test #3
Unit Four
  • Reinforcing Desirable Behaviors
  • Extinction of Problem Behaviors
  • Nurturing Home-School Collaboration
  • Test #4
Unit Five
  • Inclusive Social-Emotional Learning
  • Social Skills Instruction
  • Compassionate Practices for a Healthy School Climate
  • Test #5
Unit Six
  • Fostering a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for English Learners
  • Connecting MTSS with Special Education
  • Assignment #4: Design a Tier I universal instruction lesson plan (with Tier II and Tier III supports) that is geared toward helping diverse learners
  • Assignment #5: Course Reflection

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