What is Tier 2 and Tier 3 Intervention in the Educational Setting?

Have you ever heard the terms Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 but never had them fully explained? You're not alone. Educators often use acronyms and specialized terms without clearly communicating their meaning to non-educators. As an educator myself, I understand how frustrating this can be.
Let’s break it down:

• Tier 1 is the general classroom instruction that all students receive.
• Tier 2 and Tier 3 provide additional support for students who need help to succeed in Tier 1, but there are significant differences between the two.

Tier 2 vs. Tier 3 Intervention: Key Differences

The "tiered" system works like levels on a pyramid:

• Tier 1 is the base, representing general education.
• As you move up, Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions become more specialized, with fewer students receiving these services.

Here’s what you need to know:

Tier 2 Intervention

• Who it’s for:

  • Students who need some extra support in a specific area.
  • Those scoring below average on state tests or struggling with classroom concepts.

• How it’s delivered:

  • Usually in small groups within the same classroom or as pull-out sessions.
  • Usually in small groups within the same classroom or as pull-out sessions.

• Focus:

  • Re-teaching concepts in a small group setting.
  • Often part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) process to identify and address learning gaps.

• Duration:

  • There’s no set time frame. Students can move between Tier 1 and Tier 2 based on their progress.

Think of Tier 2 as small group support at the back of the classroom or extra reading sessions with a specialized teacher.

Tier 3 Intervention

• Who it’s for:

  • Students eligible for special education and supported by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

• How it’s delivered:

  • One-on-one or small group instruction, usually in a resource or special education classroom.
  • Provided by a specialized teacher.

• Focus:

  • Highly individualized and intensive support tailored to the student’s needs.

• Duration:

  • Continues as long as the student has an IEP or until they are dismissed from special education.

Challenges in Tiered Interventions

A common issue is students being moved in and out of Tier 2 because of how districts determine eligibility. Often, support is based on class performance rather than individual needs. This can lead to a cycle where students improve slightly, lose support, and fall behind again.

For example, many students struggle with reading fluency for years, bouncing between Tier 1 and Tier 2, only to later be diagnosed with dyslexia after a private evaluation.

How to Advocate for Your Child

If your child struggles with low test scores, homework, or is currently in Tier 2, it’s crucial to ask questions like:

• How does my child’s performance compare to their peers?
• What concerns do the teachers have?
• What curriculum and strategies are being used?
• Is there an opportunity for extra instruction?

Important: Schools may tell you that your child must go through Tier 2 before being evaluated for special education, but this is not true. You always have the right to request an evaluation for special education eligibility, which should be completed within 90 days.

How LD Expert Supports Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interventions

If you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed, consider private evaluations or intervention services. At LD Expert, we offer screenings, evaluations, and personalized interventions to help your child reach their full academic potential.

Empowering your child starts with understanding their needs and advocating for the right support. Schedule a call with us today to see how we can support your students' success.