School administrators who are committed to encouraging positive behaviors in students and improving school culture can quickly become inundated with information. Discussions and studies about PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI are confusing. What is the difference, and which method would benefit your school system the most?
Different students face different challenges. Implementing a system of support strategies to address those challenges is an important step. However, it’s first necessary to understand the differences between PBIS, MTSS, and RTI.
What Is PBIS?
The term “positive behavioral interventions and support” (PBIS) refers to a framework of systems that are used to achieve positive behavioral changes in students and improve school culture. The term “positive behavioral interventions and supports” (PBIS) refers to a multi-tiered framework designed to improve student behavior and school climate. While PBIS and RTI both use three tiers of support, PBIS focuses specifically on behavior, whereas RTI addresses academics. MTSS is the overarching framework that integrates both behavioral (PBIS) and academic (RTI) supports to meet the diverse needs of all students.
Tier 1 provides universal support for all students. Tier 2 provides targeted support for groups of children who’ve been identified as “at risk.” Tier 3 offers individualized support for a few students who are facing more intense and consistent challenges.
PBIS was developed as an alternative to punitive systems, especially for students with disabilities. While it originated from changes in special education laws and the Disabilities Education Act, the National Education Association considers PBIS a general initiative that works for all students.
The tiered behavioral supports commonly used in PBIS can be implemented in many settings, including private and public schools, preschools, child care, and Head Start programs.
What Is MTSS?
The MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) framework combines academic, behavioral, and emotional supports into an integrated system that serves all students on some level.
However, MTSS is not a program or a network of specific strategies. MTSS is an umbrella term describing tiered frameworks that provide student support. When considering PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI, understand that MTSS includes both PBIS and RTI.
MTSS frameworks use data to match students with the resources they need. Many school districts have adapted their own systems to comply with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law in 2015.
The MTSS framework drives system-level resources to support learning for all students while also meeting the special needs of a few.
What Is RTI?
RTI (response to intervention) is a systemic approach to addressing the behavioral and academic needs of every student.
The key components of RTI are high-quality instruction, universal screening, and a three-tiered intervention system. Making decisions based on data and closely monitoring student progress are key components of RTI.
In the context of PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI, RTI fits under the umbrella of a multi-tiered support system (MTSS). RTI empowers everyone within the school system to meet each student’s unique needs and foster a supportive learning environment.
Key Differences and Similarities Between PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI
| RTI | MTSS | PBIS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary focus (behavior vs. academics vs. full support) |
The primary focus of RTI is academic improvement | The primary focus of MTSS is to provide a framework for tiered support services | The primary focus of PBIS is addressing students’ behavioral challenges |
| Scope (standalone vs. umbrella model) |
RTI is a standalone model | MTSS is an umbrella model | PBIS is a standalone model |
| Typical use in schools | To improve methods of instruction and monitor student progress | To organize the methods of support available to schools and students | To improve school safety and reinforce positive behaviors |
| Tiered support levels |
Tier 1: All students Tier 2: Some groups of students Tier 3: Individual students |
Tier 1: All students Tier 2: Some groups of students Tier 3: Individual students |
Tier 1: All students Tier 2: Some groups of students Tier 3: Individual students |
How These Frameworks Work Together
When comparing the frameworks of PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI, you’ll see they work together like one cohesive program. MTSS is the umbrella under which PBIS and RTI operate.
Integrating PBIS and RTI as systems of MTSS empowers educators to develop programs that meet their students’ behavioral and academic needs and ensures that a variety of evidence-based interventions are available.
PBIS addresses behaviors that can affect a student’s ability to learn. RTI uses data-driven assessments to address academic difficulties. Using both PBIS and RTI as components of a multi-tiered system of support is a whole-child approach.
Why Understanding the Differences Matters
Understanding the differences in PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI helps educators and administrators tailor interventions to the needs of their schools. If reducing behavioral challenges is the primary goal, utilizing PBIS interventions to their greatest advantage is key. When schools need to focus on academic improvement, they may turn to RTI.
Understanding that behavioral problems and academic performance are synergistic helps build a culture of proactive care. Knowing how and when to implement which interventions reduces gaps in student support and avoids the overuse of resources.
How Rachel’s Challenge Supports These Frameworks
Rachel’s Challenge programs fit into the framework of an MTSS, and they complement both RTI and PBIS systems. The Rachel’s Challenge mission is to prevent suicide, bullying, and other types of school violence. PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI all use Tier 1 interventions to improve school culture, including the promotion of kindness.
All RC programs emphasize the value of kindness, compassion, and empathy. These values are in keeping with Tier 1 supports. Through the live and digital programs, Rachel’s Challenge has trained over 30 million students, educators, and parents.
Bring Clarity and Compassion to Your School Support Strategy
Understanding all the differences between and benefits of PBIS vs. MTSS vs. RTI takes effort, but changing school culture is a commitment. MTSS is an umbrella term describing a three-tiered framework for supporting students. PBIS and RTI are both three-tiered systems.
PBIS addresses mainly behavioral challenges, and RTI addresses mainly academic issues. Combining both PBIS and RTI strategies supports comprehensive change.
Whether you’re focused on behavior, academics, or full-system change, Rachel’s Challenge complements PBIS, MTSS, and RTI with programs that promote connection, kindness, and a safe learning environment.
You can support Rachel’s Challenge by booking an event for your school or making a donation.
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