This document provides a topic proposal for a capstone project focusing on utilizing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to improve literacy instruction. The proposal discusses how MTSS aims to support all students' needs through data-driven problem solving. It proposes creating a resource for teachers highlighting best practices and interventions for literacy skills like phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. The resource would provide research-based options to adapt instruction to meet diverse student needs based on MTSS principles. The goal is to help teachers and parents ensure every student receives necessary support to develop strong literacy skills for school and life.

1. Capstone Project: Topic Proposal
Adam Spitler
EDRG 697

2. Topic Summary
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is an approach to
education that puts the whole student (and his or her unique needs) first, and
the core components of this philosophy will soon be at work in nearly every
school in the nation.
But what, exactly, does MTSS look like? How does it differ from current
classroom practices?
Most importantly, how can the MTSS approach be utilized by teachers (and
parents) to ensure that every student receives the instruction he/she needs to
master the literacy skills needed to thrive in school and in life?

3. Topic Summary Continued
What is MTSS? According to the Colorado Department of Education document
titled “What is MTSS?” (2015), a “Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a
systemic, continuous-improvement framework in which data-based
problem-solving and decision making is practiced across all levels of the
educational system for supporting students…to ensure that every student
receives the appropriate level of support to be successful” (p. 1).
What, though, does this model actually look like in the classroom? In
collaborative team environments? At home with parents/guardians? How can
the MTSS approach best be utilized to faciliate learning for all students?

4. Statement of Relevance to Literacy Instruction
Literacy is the foundation of education; learning in all content areas, especially
as students age, hinges on the ability to construct meaning from complex
course material and to communicate that learning both orally and in writing.
Focusing on literacy instruction and intervention through the MTSS framework
will ensure that all students acquire the necessary skills to excel in their
educational journeys.
Ultimately, the MTSS model will provide the support for all students to grow in
the core areas of literacy as defined by the National Institute for Literacy:
Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension.

5. Project Idea and Plan for Completion
Craft a one-stop resource for teachers that combines relevant research
regarding best practices, interventions, and communication mediums for
practical implementation of the MTSS model.
The focus of this document will highlight instruction and corresponding
interventions for the core components of literacy: Phonemic Awareness,
Phonics, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension. If students display challenges
with constructing meaning from core instruction in any area of the literacy
spectrum, what are the “best,” that is, research-based, targeted interventions to
promote growth?

6. MTSS: Improving Teaching and Intervention
Practices
The Colorado Department of Education offers the following rationale for the
implementation of an MTSS model in schools across the state: “In order for
districts and schools to embrace [MTSS] and function as a problem-solving
culture, a shift in thinking must take place. The shift is the recognition that
student achievement comes from a collective responsibility of all stakeholders
to ensure an appropriate fit of curriculum, instruction, and environment that
enables student learning” (p. 2).
What constitutes an “effective use of data”? What is the process for
determining how to adapt “curriculum, instruction, and environment” to achieve
an “appropriate fit” for all learners?

7. MTSS: Improving Teaching and Intervention
Practices Continued
Through my Capstone Project, I hope to provide teachers (and parents) with a
comprehensive resource that makes use of the MTSS model with respect to
literacy instruction.
By utilizing this resource, teachers will have access to research-based
interventions for each component of literacy to quickly and effectively adapt
instruction to meet the diverse needs of every student in the classroom. Also,
parents can continue best practices at home to ensure that their children
receive balanced support that mirrors approaches used at school.

8. Resources
Armbruster, Bonnie B., Lehr, Fran, & Osborn, Jean. (2000). National Institute for
Literacy. Put Reading First: The Research Building Blocks For Teaching Children
to Read. Retrieved from http://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/PRFbooklet.pdf
“What is MTSS?” (2015). Colorado Department of Education. Retrieved from
https://www.cde.state.co.us/mtss/whatismtss