The NEMLDC service delivery follows a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), a best practice framework that integrates data driven problem solving and instruction to maximise student achievement, whilst considering their social, emotional and behaviour needs.
MTSS looks at the ‘whole child’ and allows for the early identification of learning and behavioural challenges and timely intervention for students who are at risk for poor learning outcomes. Tiers are based on student need and increase the level of support provided as a student moves from the classroom to targeted and intensive interventions.
While the primary goal is to meet the needs of all students in the classroom, we recognise that some students may require additional support. Within the MTSS framework, the Response to Intervention (RTI) model is implemented using the most effective, evidence-based teaching and learning practices. It includes multiple tiers of service to ensure each student receives the appropriate level of support.
Tier 1: Supporting Oral Language and Literacy Development across the School: High quality, evidence-based teaching and learning that supports oral language and literacy development across the school. Support at this level may be also focussed on a cohort or individual class.
Tier 2: Small Group Differentiated Instruction: A group of students from within or across NEMLDC classes who require more intense focus and specialisation and differentiation of a particular learning goal or goals.
Much of this tier of the intervention program is overseen by the Lead Education Assistant and run by trained education assistants using the evidence-based programs MiniLit and LanguageLift. MiniLit focuses on improving early reading skills through targeted phonics and comprehension activities, while LanguageLift helps students develop their language skills, particularly in vocabulary and sentence structure.
Tier 3: Individualised Intensive Intervention: Students requiring individualised support are provided with specialised therapeutic intervention.
NEMLDC speech pathologists support all tiers of intervention, with the primary focus being Tier 1.
