Some children need a little more individualized support to be successful in school. If Tier 1 behavior interventions are unsuccessful and a student continues to engage in problem behavior, a Tier 2 or 3 behavior intervention may be needed. Tier 2 interventions are also referred to as Secondary Prevention interventions. Secondary interventions for groups of students are called targeted interventions. Examples of targeted interventions include: social skills instruction, check-in/check-out interventions that increase the level of reinforcement and prompts for positive social skills, and academic interventions such as peer mentoring, or extra reading study groups. Tier 3 interventions are needed when students engage in serious and chronic problem behavior, and are also referred to as Tertiary Prevention interventions. Behavior support plans (BSPs) are more time-intensive at this level and often involve wraparound and service coordination when students receive support from other state services such as mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, or developmental disability services. Students in both general and special education receive Tier 3 support.

Tiers 2 and 3 Early Childhood Positive Behavior Support

Tiers 2 and 3 MTSS for Behavior in Schools and Alternative Settings

Tools and Resources