In addition to outlining the different academic and behavioral tier groups where students need support, Mrs. Griffith also explained how the interventions with each group need to be varied. For example, academically, some students will only need whole group instruction in order to be successful, while other students need small group instruction or even individualized support. Behavioral Tiers are slightly different. Tier 1 is handled in the classroom, while Tiers 2 and 3 often require other outside interventions, such as counselors or alternative schools.
Mrs. Griffith stressed that documentation is a crucial step in the process of intervention, both academic and behavioral. The date, frequency, type of intervention and results are all things that must be documented frequently in order to have the correct information to place each student. When teachers document their students’ struggles and successes, then they have a better understanding of their future needs. Mrs. Griffith stated, “Effective instruction means students are prepared for the following year.”