Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

NJTSS

What is the New Jersey Tiered Systems of Support (NJTSS)? 

The New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) is a framework of supports and interventions to improve student achievement. It is based on the core components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and the three tier prevention logic of Response to Intervention (RTI).  With a foundation of strong district and school leadership, a positive school culture and climate, and family and community engagement, NJTSS builds on Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) and gives schools structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment and social/emotional needs of all students.  

NJTSS includes nine essential components that promote success for every child. NJTSS aligns resources within schools, across school districts, and within communities and counties to provide the right interventions to the right students at the right times.  

Through regular monitoring of student progress, along with data-based decision making and a continuum of support based on student need, NJTSS integrates the various teams and expertise in schools and communities to maximize the efficient use of resources and the effectiveness of interventions. 

 

Some students may require accommodations that provide access to instruction. The tiers provide supports that help students access instruction in ways that work for them.  There is flexibility in movement between the tiers, driven by frequent progress monitoring and data-based decision making.  

Tier 1: Universal Supports Tier 1: Universal Supports

Evidence-based core instruction delivered with fidelity. 

Tier 1 includes: 

  • High-quality learning environments, curricula, and instructional practices. 
  • Differentiation and multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. 
  • All students, including multilingual learners (MLLs), students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and students receiving Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.

Provided to all students. 
Tier 2: Targeted Supports Tier 2: Targeted Supports

Targeted, supplemental small-group interventions. 

Tier 2 includes: 

  • Supplemental supports and interventions. 
  • Small-group instruction. 
  • Evidence-based instructional practices and interventions that increase in intensity, frequency and duration. 
  • Regular progress monitoring.

Provided to some students. 
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions Tier 3: Intensive Interventions

Intensive interventions customized to students' needs. 

Tier 3 includes: 

  • Intensive supports and interventions. 
  • Adaptations of supports and interventions based on an individual student’s performance. 
  • Frequent progress monitoring. 

Provided to a few students.

The NJTSS framework includes nine essential components that promote success for every child by supporting students through a continuum of services provided through core programs and interventions.  

The three foundational components, which can be seen in the outer edges of the triangle, work together to bolster the six instructional components. They include: 

  1. Effective district and school leadership 
  2. Family and community engagement 
  3. Positive school culture and climate

The six instructional components support a continuum of core programs and interventions. They can be found in the inner part of the triangle: 

  1. High-quality learning environments, curricula, and instructional practices 
  2. Universal screening 
  3. Data-based decision making 
  4. Collaborative problem-solving teams 
  5. Progress monitoring 
  6. Staff professional development

Visit the NJTSS essential components page to learn more about each component in depth.  

Intervention & Referral Services 

Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) is an interdisciplinary team of professionals within the school environment who come together throughout the school year to formulate coordinated services and team delivery systems to address the full range of student learning, behavior, social, and health problems in the general education program as well as for students determined to be in need of special education programs and services. The I&RS Committee develops an Action Plan containing goals, interventions, and a timeline for the plan's duration. 

The I&RS committee follows a multidisciplinary approach with a well-articulated system of supportive activities and services for staff who have identified student difficulties and those who will be involved in the amelioration of the identified educational concerns. 

Government Agencies 

Statutes 

Reports 

Resources 

Regulations 

Model I&RS Programs Nationwide 

 

Supporting NJTSS Frameworks With Federal Funds 

Every Local Education Agency (LEA) needs to have a coordinated system for planning and delivering intervention and referral service (I&RS) in place, and the NJTSS offers LEAs a useful framework for implementing, expanding, or revising their I&RS process.  Building a strong system of supports is an ongoing, iterative effort and can be sustained with Federal funding streams. LEAs can use the following funding streams to support the nine essential components in the NJTSS framework: 

  • ESEA Title I-A 
  • ESEA Title II 
  • ESEA Title III-A 
  • ESEA Title IV-A 
  • McKinney-Vento 
  • Adult Education and Family Literacy Act 
  • IDEA 
  • Perkins 
  • Early Childhood Programs

The resource listed below provides an overview of the Federal funds that are allowable for each essential component and the possible activities that can be funded. 

Funding 

The following regulations can be found on the NJDOE Administrative Code page: 

NJTSS One Pager

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