La Center School District’s MTSS Model:
Definition, Core Components, and District Goals

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a proactive, preventative framework that systematically integrates academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance instruction and data to support the growth of the whole child. Rather than viewing student needs in isolation, our MTSS model builds a strengths-based “public health” approach to education. It organizes the efforts of adults within the school system to guarantee that all students benefit from nurturing environments and equitable access to high-quality, universally designed instruction.

At its core, MTSS is a vehicle for closing opportunity and achievement gaps by coordinating tiered delivery systems like Academic Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

The Five Foundational Components

In alignment with the Washington State MTSS Framework, La Center is committed to deep, intentional implementation of five essential components:

1. Team-Driven Shared Leadership: Setting up a cascading system of collaboration across district, building, and classroom levels so that leadership is distributed, two-way communication loops are strong, and system barriers are lifted.
2. Data-Based Decision Making: Utilizing universal screening, frequent progress monitoring, and objective data platforms (like SWIS and eduCLIMBER) to drive instructional adjustments, intervention pairing, and systemwide resource allocation.
3. Continuum of Supports: Providing layered, evidence-based instruction across three tiers:
• Tier 1 (Core): Universal, preventive instruction designed to help 80–85% of students succeed.
• Tier 2 (Targeted): Small-group interventions addressing specific academic, behavioral, or social-emotional skill gaps.
• Tier 3 (Intensive): Highly individualized, intensive academic or behavioral adjustments matched to individual student needs.
4. Evidence-Based Practices: Prioritizing educational and behavioral interventions proven to improve outcomes.
5. Family, Student, and Community Engagement: Actively partnering with families and the community to strengthen student support at every tier.

Providing High-Quality, Standards-Aligned Learning for Students

The Teaching and Learning Department is committed to ensuring students have access to high-quality instructional materials that support engaging, meaningful learning experiences and prepare students for future success.

 To ensure our instructional resources remain current, research-based, and aligned to Washington State Learning Standards, La Center School District follows a structured Curriculum Adoption Cycle. This intentional process provides a transparent and consistent method for reviewing, selecting, implementing, and evaluating instructional materials across grade levels and content areas. Curriculum Review Sequence

The curriculum adoption cycle serves several important purposes. It allows the district to:

• Review instructional materials using a thoughtful, collaborative process that includes educators, administrators, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure curriculum is aligned with Washington State Learning Standards, district priorities, and current research on effective instructional practices.
• Pilot and evaluate resources before adoption through the district’s Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) and School Board approval process.
• Plan responsibly for the financial investment required to purchase high-quality curriculum and instructional resources. By maintaining a predictable adoption cycle, the district can strategically budget for curriculum purchases, ensuring schools have access to updated instructional materials while being good stewards of public funds.

 The Teaching and Learning Department continually supports teachers to design, implement, and refine curriculum to be rigorous, relevant, accessible, and challenging. Our goal is to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and real-world application. Through ongoing curriculum review and continuous improvement, we strive to provide every student with access to exceptional learning opportunities while ensuring consistency and coherence across classrooms throughout the district.

 Special Request for Approval of Supplemental Material

Instructional Materials Currently Used

Instructional Materials 2013 and Beyond

Instructional Materials Prior to 2013

IMC Homepage

Supporting Exceptional Teaching and Learning

The Teaching and Learning Department partners with schools to provide the instructional supports necessary for every student to thrive. We believe that exceptional student outcomes begin with exceptional teaching, and we are committed to supporting educators through collaborative partnerships, coaching, and professional learning.

Our instructional support work includes:

• Professional Learning: Providing teachers, administrators, and support staff with high-quality professional development focused on research-based instructional practices, evidence-based strategies, and continuous improvement. 
• Instructional Coaching: Offering ongoing coaching and support that helps educators implement best practices, analyze student learning, and strengthen instructional effectiveness. (link coaching menu)
• Building Collaborative Partnerships: Working alongside district leaders, principals, teachers, and support staff to develop systems that promote student success, while also providing resources and programs that directly benefit students.
• Continuous Improvement: Using student achievement data, collaborative protocols (scope & sequence development, PLC/PLT functionality, committee agendas, etc.), collaborative classrooms (labs, walk-throughs, observations, etc.), and feedback to refine instructional practices and ensure optimal learning opportunities for every student.

By building strong relationships, investing in educator growth, and providing ongoing instructional support, we create learning environments where both staff and students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Instructional Coach Site Link

2025-2026 Professional Learning Calendar with Clock Hour Information

2024-2025 Professional Learning Calendar with Clock Hour Information

2023-2024 Professional Learning Calendar (Including Summer of 2023)

January 2023 – June 2023 Professional Development Calendar

August 2022 Professional Development Sessions

Clock Hours School Year 2021-2022

November Unit Planning

Clock Hour Proposal Form (Includes TPEP and STEM addendums)

Instructional Coach Site Link

La Center Elementary Hi-Cap Process for 24-25

ELL Services for Multilingual Students Guidelines Worksheet

Parents’ Rights – Interpretation and Translation Services

Parents’ Rights – Interpretation and Translation Services – Spanish

Parents’ Rights – Interpretation and Translation Services – Russian

If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Mills at 360-263-2131 or wendy.mills@lacenterschools.org

The Student Services Department at La Center School District (LCSD) is dedicated to bridging systems of support to ensure educational equity, legal compliance, and holistic development for every student. Anchored by the core philosophies of “Ability, not disability” and “Service, not a place,” the department coordinates districtwide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and transition supports. Its primary mission is to remove environmental and systemic barriers, ensuring all students are served with dignity, compassion, and accountability.

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Informative Links:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Policy 2162: Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

McKinney-Vento: Education of Students Experiencing Homeless Living Circumstances

Foster Care : Policy 3116: Education of students in the Foster Care System

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Contact Information:

Greg Hall / Director of Elementary Education and K-12 Student Services

(360) 263-2134 Ext. 3110

Heidi Bengaard / Administrative Assistant / (360) 263-2131 Ext. 2136

LCSD District Office / 725 NE Highland Rd., PO Box 1840 / La Center, WA / 98629

Office Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 am to 4:00 pm 

Email: student.services@lacenterschools.org

Special Education

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