Understanding Tier 1, Tier 1.5, & Tier 2 Strategies

Tier 1 behavior management strategies are strategies that are used with the whole class to teach expectations, reinforce appropriate behavior, and helps students learn how to effectively manage their own behavior. For students who are not responding to Tier 1 strategies, you could use a Tier 2 behavioral strategy that involves a structured and individualized intervention such as a Daily Report Card, Check-in Card, or Organization Intervention. Before starting Tier 2 intervention, teachers can also try using a Tier 1 ½ strategy that is in between Tier 1 and Tier 2 in
terms of intensity for students who need some extra support.

Tier 1 ½ refers to the use of a Tier 1 strategy at a higher dose (e.g., more frequently, more individualized) with specific students with the goal of providing a level of support that is above Tier 1. When there are several students (e.g., 4 to 6) in a classroom who demonstrate challenging behaviors, teachers can apply Tier 1 ½ strategies. Such strategies may be sufficient for some of these students. If so, this allows teacher to implement Tier 2 interventions with fewer students (i.e., just 1 or 2). By using Tier 1 ½, teachers can identify the students who most need a Tier 2 intervention.

How to Modify Tier 1 into Tier 1 1/2