Meeting the Needs of Learners: Multi-tiered System of Support

By Heather Nerem, Head of Academics

As we reflect and pray about how our educational philosophy will move from a written document to an enacted way of life at DMC, it has come clear to us that we must look to build a  culture of learning not one of perfection. If we desire to build a culture of learning, we must understand that learning is not a linear process. 

In fact, as a community in Christ, we know that God has created each child on purpose for a purpose; that He loves each child deeply and values each one of them. We desire to love like Christ; therefore, we strive to know each child excellently and commit to be collaborative, creative builders of learning. We believe all children can learn; they may not learn in the same way or on the same day but they can learn.

We recognize that each child has been created with a different learning profile. This learning profile is built on the strengths and challenges of both the mind and the heart. We believe that to truly know and care for each child requires intentional collaboration and intentional support. It requires a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

Developing a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a key strategic academic focus over the next three to five years. To begin our work, it is imperative that we have clarity on what an effective support structure looks like. Below is a simple yet powerful visual that brings a shared vocabulary and understanding to this work and guides us in building structures to support the workIn addition to building a common understanding of MTSS, we also know that we need to invest in additional staff to truly carry this out with quality. Five new student support positions for the 24-25 school year have been added:

• Elementary Educational Support Specialist (Full-time)
• Middle School Reading Support Teacher  (Full-time)
• Middle School Math Support Teacher (Half-time)
• High School Reading Support Teacher (Full-time)
• 6-12 Testing Proctor to support testing accommodations (Full-time)

This summer we will be gathering for two days in June to continue to strengthen the work of our student support structure. We have the privilege of partnering with a Christian company called All Belong to help us in this work; our consultant will continue to work with us during the 24-25 school year, as well.  In July, teachers will also be gathering to learn more about co-teaching. Co-teaching allows for two teachers to be in a room to provide stronger Tier I differentiated instruction for all students. 

We have been amazed at God’s provision and direction in this work. We see this work as more than ‘educational work.’ We see it as gospel work. Meredith Hunt, High School Social Studies Teacher, says it best.

“Every time we step towards kids is a gospel opportunity. When we think of this from a pure academic perspective - we are watching each student individually to see what they need. We look at formative data, we isolate missing skills, and we respond immediately. The kid knows the next day when they got the request to come to an Impact or Win period that they were seen. They know that their understanding was lacking and that we care about them enough and believe in them enough to do it again with them. They are also forced to acknowledge that they were not perfect that day, that they are human and that they do need help and that's okay. They have to acknowledge their brokenness. This becomes a gospel rep. They have to acknowledge that not only can they not do it all perfectly but also that they can’t do it alone. And I get to be there to help guide how they interpret that. I can step in when the self-talk isn’t pretty, when there are tears and frustration and I get to say - you are fearfully and wonderfully made, you don’t have to be perfect - Christ is your perfection.”