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Is MTSS and Special Education (SPED) the Same Thing?

 “Around 15 percent of the world’s population, or estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. They are the world’s largest minority.” - United Nations’ Department of Economic and Social Affairs

I came across this article from Branching Minds about the connection between MTSS and SPED. It really shines a light on the definitions and explains similarities and differences between MTSS and Special Education. 


Special education and MTSS both provide support for students within the classroom. But MTSS and special education (SPED) are not the same things. Both are rooted in the foundation of creating an equitable learning environment for all learners. However, MTSS is a system of support for all students. 


Special education is an extensive framework of resources, laws, specialized services, and staff designed to support the education of millions of students identified with a qualifying disability. MTSS provides support to all students in academic, behavioral, and social-emotional skill areas. A student with an IEP (individualized education plan) has access to tiered interventions and resources to support their access to grade-level content. While a Special Education/IEP management system can help monitor progress and data for a specific topic a student has an IEP in, that student could also need support in other topics, which may not be represented in a special education system. MTSS is helpful for continuity of support, and IEPs don't always tell educators specifically how to differentiate their support for students. For the full article explaining  all about these two topics and key takeaways, please see the link. 

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