MTSS Grade Level Team

A grade level team is sometimes referred to as a continuous improvement team. Many schools utilize grade level teams that meet regularly to discuss grade level (or sometimes a span of grades) practices, instruction, effectiveness of instruction, student growth, and in some cases team policies, behavior, and areas/needs for improvement.

Grade level teaming can be an extremely effective practice for a number of reasons.  First, grade level teams help to ensure consistency in instruction (academic, behavior, and social) by allowing for all teachers of a particular grade to share and bring successes and challenges to the table.  Another benefit to grade level teams is reduced teacher stress and burnout.  In addition, grade level teams invite the expertise of each individual person on the team to present itself as a resource for addressing challenges, so students can be flexibly grouped to work on emerging skills with a teacher that has capacity and interest in running the small group - the teacher doesn't always have to be the "official" teacher, either.  If Mrs. Smith is the social studies, but has a passion for math, she may be interested on hosting a small math group to help struggling students.  This frees up time for the math teacher to reach other students in other capacities, and demonstrates the shared responsibility for all students across the team.

Like other MTSS teams, grade level teams should work to establish a shared vision for the school year, and state their priorities for achieving that vision.  Along with drawing a vision, teams can set academic, social, or behavioral goals that each of the teachers will work on together.  Visions and goals should be documented, measurable, and referred to at least monthly to ensure progress is being made.  Also, grade level teams serve as the drivers of the tier 1, 2, and sometimes 3 in their class/grade.  As such, establishing a meeting protocol is essential to making the most of the available time.

A few things to consider when establishing grade level teams:

1. Who is at the table? Who is missing? - The grade level team is a powerful way to ensure consistent equity and inclusion in classrooms.  This group of dedicated individuals are the first defense to creating classrooms and team policies that meet the needs of the students they have.  This team asks " who are we teaching, and what do those children need from us?" and then work to be sure each and ever child is supported.

2. Shared Vision: Everyone wants each child to grow in their academics, behavior, and social skills, and setting a shared vision at the start of every school year is a great way to do this.  Why every year?  Because teachers, ed techs, curriculums, challenges come and go.  Creating a new shared vision each year can welcome and integrate new teachers so they feel valued and part of the process.  Another thought to consider when re-writing your shared vision each year is the idea of change.  All humans change and grow - not just students.  Teachers do to.  To keep the same shared vision year after year makes it difficult for that vision to align with the changing world around it.

3. Maximizing Human Capital: Myriad of expertise exists inside your school building.  Maximizing human capital is a creative (and inexpensive!) way to utilize the skills and passions of each educator so that when students present with a challenge, they can be matched to the resources that are available - that includes the people in the building that might be just what that student needs!

4. Consistent Problem-Solving: As a continuous improvement team, it is important to establish a consistent problem-solving practice paired with communication and action planning so everyone knows what to expect, where to go when needs arise, and how to address challenges collectively.