Rochester Public Schools -

Tier 3 instruction provides personalized, intensive support for students who need substantial help to meet grade-level expectations, often performing a year or more below their peers. This level of support is for students who require significantly more intensive instruction than Tier 2 can provide. The goal of Tier 3 is to help students catch up to grade-level standards through targeted, explicit teaching that addresses both specific skills and underlying learning gaps. Within an MTSS framework, Tier 3 is typically reserved for about 5–8% of students.

Tier 3 interventions are highly individualized, guided by diagnostic assessments, and closely monitored to ensure student progress. Groups are typically 1–3 students, though in secondary settings they may include 8–10 students to fit class schedules. These interventions are provided in addition to universal (Tier 1) and strategic (Tier 2) supports, not as a replacement. All Tier 3 interventions are evidence-based and selected based on the student’s specific needs. For guidance on matching interventions to student needs, see the Data-Based Decision Making section

At Rochester Public Schools, Tier 3 instruction can support students in general education who need individualized intensive instruction as well as students receiving special education services. Special education is tied to a student’s identified disability and their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Depending on the student’s needs, support may be provided entirely through general education interventions, special education, or a combination of both.