A statewide multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) and mental health

Abstract

Amidst growing concerns about the prolonged youth mental health crisis, many schools across the United States provide social and emotional supports for students through both universal social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices and through more targeted and intensive mental health supports. However, all too often, these supports are implemented in a way that is not coordinated to ensure that students benefit in a systematic and equitable manner. This article provides a case study example from a statewide initiative to address this issue: the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Academy (SEB Academy) operated by Education Development Center (EDC) as part of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Academies funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The SEB Academy supports schools in assessing and improving their MTSS for SEL and mental health. Schools improve their systems for identifying students needing SEL and mental health support at each tier, providing appropriate support, monitoring student progress, and adjusting supports as appropriate while ensuring cultural responsiveness and equity. Key strategies, tools, and approaches in implementing this MTSS approach to SEL and mental health in schools and districts are described. Implications for the field of SEL and mental health are discussed, including how states and other education stakeholders can support an MTSS approach to SEL and mental health at scale.