DCI-MTSS

The goal of District Continuous Improvement Multi-Tiered System of Support (DCI-MTSS) is “to improve literacy outcomes for all students, especially students with disabilities, by providing high-quality professional development focused on district- and building-level implementation of evidence-based academic and behavioral practices and system, with an emphasis on evidence-based literacy practices, within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS).”

Districts create a cohesive system that focuses on increasing both academic and behavioral outcomes to equitably support the varying needs of all students.

Multi-Tiered System of Support

DCI-MTSS integrates high quality instruction, together with literacy and behavior teaching and learning practices into a framework that supports the DESE priority of improving literacy outcomes for all students. There is a strong relationship between academic achievement and behavioral outcomes for students. Providing academic supports can improve student behaviors and providing behavioral supports can improve academic outcomes (McIntosh & Goodman, 2016). DCI-MTSS is designed to support districts as they adopt and implement a continuum of evidence-based practices to create the necessary conditions to meet the needs of all students. Building on the effective approaches currently used in Missouri schools, the DCI-MTSS approach supports districts to integrate high-quality instruction with academic and behavior supports.

DCI-MTSS Graphic that reads: DCI-MTSS, Behavious, Instruction, Literacy. Collaborative Culture, DBDM, Assessment, Tiered Systems, ETLP, Sustainability.

Essential Functions

Six essential functions have been identified as important for district leadership teams when implementing DCI-MTSS.

  1. District leaders maintain a collaborative culture and climate to build capacity for an outcome-driven approach to school improvement.
  2. District leaders maintain an assessment system designed to support educational teams in making informed instructional and programmatic decisions to support students.
  3. District leaders engage in cycles of data-based decision making to meet the needs of all students.
  4. District leaders maintain a tiered system of supports that provides efficient, effective, and equitable allocation of resources to support all students.
  5. District leaders select and align effective teaching and learning practices to increase the probability that instruction, interventions, and supports meet the needs of all students.
  6. District leaders provide staff with ongoing support to ensure the integration and sustainability of their continuous improvement efforts.

DCI-MTSS Products

The following DCI-MTSS products have been created to support districts and CSTs.

DCI-MTSS Roadmap

The DCI-MTSS Roadmap provides an overview of the theoretical foundation of DCI-MTSS; the basics of each of the focus areas (academics, behavior, and literacy); and details regarding benefits, expectations, and statewide support districts will receive.

October 2024

DCI-MTSS Implementation Inventory

The DCI-MTSS Implementation Inventory goes hand-in-hand with the Practice Profile as a key tool for district action planning. The Implementation Inventory should be completed by the District Leadership Team together with their facilitator.

September 2023

DCI-MTSS District Implementation Practice Profile

The DCI-MTSS District Implementation Practice Profile focuses on fidelity of implementation through clearly described criteria. Through the use of this tool, districts gain an understanding of DCI-MTSS, plan for implementation, and self-monitor progress toward their goals.

June 2023

DCI-MTSS Facilitator Conversation Planning Guide

The DCI-MTSS Facilitator Conversation Planning Guide was designed for facilitators and Coaching Support Team members working with District Leadership Teams to identify needs and select evidence-based strategies within the DCI-MTSS framework and content.

August 2023

DCI-MTSS Site Visit Protocol

Download the DCI-MTSS Site Visit Protocol

February 2024

DCI-MTSS Data Elements Submission Timeline

Download the DCI-MTSS Data Elements Submission Timeline

October 2024

Participating Districts

Farmington R-VII
Jasper Co R-V
Johnson Co R-VII
Kirksville R-III
Lewis Co C-1
Morgan Co R-II
Newtown-Harris R-III
Northeast Vernon Co R-I
Osage Co R-I
Richland R-IV
Sikeston R-6
Spokane R-VIII
Sullivan
Tarkio R-I
Walnut Grove R-V
Warren Co R-III
Worth Co R-III