MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS AND POST-SECONDARY READINESS WITHIN A LARGE SUBURBAN HIGH SCHOOL

ABSTRACT The four-year graduation rate is critical for high school and district leaders. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is an effective school improvement model to promote on-time graduation and post-secondary readiness. This action research study examined leadership strategies and collaborative practices to strengthen the MTSS infrastructure at a large suburban high school. The study identified eight key findings and six themes: fostering student and teacher efficacy, resource management, whole-child learning, stakeholder collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and leveraging professional development. While components of MTSS are mandated by state and federal law, its implementation in high schools remains limited. This research underscores MTSS as a vital framework for meeting students’ needs and empowering them to achieve their post-secondary goals and aspirations.