CA MTSS Continuum of Support – Definition
The California Multi-Tiered System of Support (CA MTSS) Continuum of Support describes how educators provide responsive instruction and intervention to meet the universal, supplemental, and intensified or individualized needs of all students. As a companion to the CA MTSS Framework, the continuum illustrates how academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health supports within the Whole Child domain are delivered in an integrated and equitable manner to ensure student success.
At the foundation of the continuum is Universal Support, also referred to as first best instruction, which is provided to all students. Universal instruction is evidence-based and delivered through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiated instructional practices that anticipate and address learner variability. These inclusive practices ensure all students can access grade-level content, engage meaningfully in learning, and develop academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally in equitable learning environments.
When data indicate that some students require additional support beyond universal instruction, Supplemental Support is provided. Supplemental supports are targeted or tailored and typically delivered in small-group settings to address specific academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs. These supports are provided in addition to—not in place of—universal instruction and are designed to remove barriers to learning and support students in working toward grade-level expectations.
For students whose needs are not adequately met through supplemental supports, Intensified Support is provided. Intensified supports involve more individualized, explicit, and often more frequent instruction or intervention across academic, behavioral, or social-emotional domains. These supports are designed to close learning gaps, address persistent barriers, and promote student success when small-group interventions alone are insufficient.
Decisions across the continuum are data-informed and grounded in ongoing assessment and progress monitoring. Movement within the continuum is fluid and responsive, ensuring that students receive the right level of support at the right time, for as long as needed, to thrive academically as learners.
1. CA MTSS Continuum of Support PDF
2. CA MTSS Fillable Continuum of Support PDF
3. Sample CA MTSS Continuum of Support to enhance Attendance and Engagement
