Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Multilingual Learners Using Culturally and Linguistically Aligned Practices

Oct 15, 2026

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is presented for multilingual learners through culturally and linguistically aligned (CLA) practices that embed language and culture within prevention, intervention, instruction, and decision-making. The document outlines a multi-level prevention system, screening and progress monitoring using a CLA lens, and data-based decisions that guide movement across tiers. It introduces the PLUSS framework for CLA embedded behaviors, structures case study applications, and discusses DBI integration, with supporting exhibits, sample lesson planning, and references.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

MTSS With Embedded C LA Practices

Multi-Level Prevention System With Embedded CLA Practices

C LA EB Ps: The PLUSS Framework

Data-Based Decision Making With a CLA Lens

Screening With a CLA Lens

Progress Monitoring With a CLA Lens

Case Study and PLUSS Enhancements

Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Multilingual Learners Using Culturally and Linguistically Aligned Practices April 2024 Julie Esparza Brown, EdD, Amanda K. Sanford, PhD, and Donna Sacco, PhD Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Multilingual Learners Using Culturally and Linguistically Aligned Practices Julie Esparza Brown, EdD Portland State University Amanda K. Sanford, PhD Portland State University Donna Sacco, PhD American Institutes of Research This document was produced under U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Award No. H326Q210001 . Celia Rosenquist serves as the project officer. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Education. No official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any product, commodity, service, or enterprise mentioned in this document is intended or should be inferred. This product is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. Although permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: Brown, J. E. , Sanford, A. K. , & Sacco, D. (2024) . Multi-tiered system of supports for multilingual learners using culturally and linguistically aligned practices. National Center on Intensive Intervention at the American Institutes for Research. Contents Page Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 1 MTSS With Embedded C LA Practices ......................................................................................................................... 2 Multi-Level Prevention System With Embedded CLA Practices ................................................................................ 3 C LA EB Ps: The PLUSS Framework ........................................................................................................................... 4 Data-Based Decision Making With a CLA Lens .......................................................................................................... 6 Screening With a C LA Lens ......................................................................................................................................... 7 Progress Monitoring With a CLA Lens ........................................................................................................................ 8 Customized True Peer Group Factors ...................................................................................................................... 9 Case Study ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Case Study Part 2: Week 10 Tier 2 Data Meeting ................................................................................................ 11 PLUSS Enhancements: Tiers 2 and 3 .................................................................................................................... 12 Case Study Part 3: Considering DBI for Panchito ................................................................................................. 13 D BI and the PLUSS Framework.............................................................................................................................. 14 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Appendix: Sample Lesson Plan Using PLUSS Framework....................................................................................... 15 References ................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Exhibits Page Exhibit 1.

FAQs

What is the document’s focus for multilingual learners within MTSS?

It explains how to embed culturally and linguistically aligned (CLA) practices into MTSS for multilingual learners across prevention, intervention, and instructional decision-making.

How does the document use data to guide instructional and tier decisions?

It emphasizes data-based decision making using a CLA lens, including CLA-aligned screening and progress monitoring to support movement across tiers.

What is the PLUSS framework and where is it applied?

The document presents the PLUSS framework (as part of CLA embedded behavior practices) and shows its use through case studies and tier enhancements, including discussion of DBI integration.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jordan Avery