Introduction to The Rich Center for Autism’s Tiered Level of Support

At The Rich Center for Autism, we use a Three-Tier Level of Positive Behavior Support. Instruction and intervention is based on the principle that academic and behavioral programming is initially provided at a universal level to effectively meet the needs of ALL students. This level is referred to as Tier One under the positive behavioral support policy. Tier One ensures all students are provided with accommodations and supports needed to achieve academic and behavioral success in the classroom. Nevertheless, not all students respond effectively to Tier One strategies and some students are identified for Tier Two Strategies. Tier Two strategies involve increased individualized planning, instruction, and intervention to help the student succeed. If Tier Two strategies deem ineffective, Tier Three strategies are implemented. Tier Three strategies involve a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), which leads to intensive behavioral and academic programming.

The Rich Center for Autism implements the Tiered Level of Support for a variety of reasons. Using the Tiered Level of Support allows us to identify the needs of all students. Knowing what the student needs to make progress is essential for the success of every child. Identifying the needs of students allows teachers and administrators to pair the level of support to the academic and/or behavioral challenges. The Tiered Level of Support helps to identify when a student is struggling with the general accommodations being provided in the classroom, allowing for more individualized instruction. In severe cases, individualizing instruction at a Tier Three level is imperative to the achievement of a student.