MTSS Standing Committee

Purpose(s)/Goal:

Bellingham Public Schools recognizes the importance of effective instruction in an inclusive environment. The goal of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Standing Committee is to serve as an evidence-based organizational approach for our district and schools, as we strive to create equitable, consistent and flexible systems. This committee will use data to recommend next steps for system-wide approaches to great teaching with strong support. The MTSS Standing Committee will encapsulate the work previously done by the Joint Committee on Student Conduct and the Inclusionary Instructional Strategies Committee, both of which will sunset with the start of this new standing committee.

Basis for Establishment:

• To create a systematic, data-driven approach to supporting all students.
• To prepare for state-mandated changes to the special education evaluation process that will require our schools to be consistent in the approach to core instruction.
• To investigate, gather and disseminate instructional strategies, interventions, and associated helpful practices in support of professional learning in our school district.
• To support the key strategy of Great Teaching with Strong Support.

Decision-Making Process:

The committee decisions shall be made via a consensus model, informed by the ongoing work of the school district. A work team structure will be utilized, with representatives from the standing committee working along with others (included on a topical/as-needed basis) to plan and deliver professional learning focused on strong core instruction. The committee will meet on a consistent basis (monthly – see dates below) beginning in the fall of 2024; additional meetings may be added/scheduled based on consensus of group discussion. Any recommendations for changes to district policy will be advisory in nature.

Plan of Work:

The goals of the MTSS Standing Committee include:

• Establish a vision for how to implement a strong, evidence-based multi-tiered system of support for all students in Bellingham Public Schools.
• Use the collective expertise of the committee to develop a curated list of resources that demonstrate best practices.
• Investigate, review, and recommend professional learning experiences that can be accessed by district employees in support of growing our work in inclusive instructional strategies.
• Focus on growing inclusive strategies and increasing the scope of inclusion over time, beginning with the early grades.

Responsibilities:

To study, develop and make recommendations to the superintendent around system-wide implementation of MTSS and associated professional development.

Budget Implications:

Costs associated with provision of substitutes for teacher and paraeducator representatives, if meetings occur during the school day.