NJTSS
What is the New Jersey Tiered Systems of Support (NJTSS)?
The New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) is a framework of supports and interventions to improve student achievement. It is based on the core components of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and the three tier prevention logic of Response to Intervention (RTI).  With a foundation of strong district and school leadership, a positive school culture and climate, and family and community engagement, NJTSS builds on Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) and gives schools structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment and social/emotional needs of all students.
NJTSS includes nine essential components that promote success for every child. NJTSS aligns resources within schools, across school districts, and within communities and counties to provide the right interventions to the right students at the right times.
Through regular monitoring of student progress, along with data-based decision making and a continuum of support based on student need, NJTSS integrates the various teams and expertise in schools and communities to maximize the efficient use of resources and the effectiveness of interventions.
Some students may require accommodations that provide access to instruction. The tiers provide supports that help students access instruction in ways that work for them. There is flexibility in movement between the tiers, driven by frequent progress monitoring and data-based decision making.
| Tier 1: Universal Supports | Tier 1: Universal Supports |
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Evidence-based core instruction delivered with fidelity. Tier 1 includes:
Provided to all students. |
| Tier 2: Targeted Supports | Tier 2: Targeted Supports |
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Targeted, supplemental small-group interventions. Tier 2 includes:
Provided to some students. |
| Tier 3: Intensive Interventions | Tier 3: Intensive Interventions |
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Intensive interventions customized to students' needs. Tier 3 includes:
Provided to a few students. |
The NJTSS framework includes nine essential components that promote success for every child by supporting students through a continuum of services provided through core programs and interventions.
The three foundational components, which can be seen in the outer edges of the triangle, work together to bolster the six instructional components. They include:
- Effective district and school leadership
- Family and community engagement
- Positive school culture and climate
The six instructional components support a continuum of core programs and interventions. They can be found in the inner part of the triangle:
- High-quality learning environments, curricula, and instructional practices
- Universal screening
- Data-based decision making
- Collaborative problem-solving teams
- Progress monitoring
- Staff professional development
Visit the NJTSS essential components page to learn more about each component in depth.
Intervention & Referral Services
Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) is an interdisciplinary team of professionals within the school environment who come together throughout the school year to formulate coordinated services and team delivery systems to address the full range of student learning, behavior, social, and health problems in the general education program as well as for students determined to be in need of special education programs and services. The I&RS Committee develops an Action Plan containing goals, interventions, and a timeline for the plan's duration.
The I&RS committee follows a multidisciplinary approach with a well-articulated system of supportive activities and services for staff who have identified student difficulties and those who will be involved in the amelioration of the identified educational concerns.
Government Agencies
Statutes
Reports
Resources
Regulations
- N.J.A.C. Title 6A, Chapter 16, Programs to Support Student Development
- Refer to pages 114-116, Subchapter 8: 6A:16-8.1-8.2 Intervention and Referral Services
- N.J.A.C. 6A:14. Special Education
- N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7. Student Records
- Every Student Succeeds Act - New Jersey State Plan
Model I&RS Programs Nationwide
Supporting NJTSS Frameworks With Federal Funds
Every Local Education Agency (LEA) needs to have a coordinated system for planning and delivering intervention and referral service (I&RS) in place, and the NJTSS offers LEAs a useful framework for implementing, expanding, or revising their I&RS process.  Building a strong system of supports is an ongoing, iterative effort and can be sustained with Federal funding streams. LEAs can use the following funding streams to support the nine essential components in the NJTSS framework:
- ESEA Title I-A
- ESEA Title II
- ESEA Title III-A
- ESEA Title IV-A
- McKinney-Vento
- Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
- IDEA
- Perkins
- Early Childhood Programs
The resource listed below provides an overview of the Federal funds that are allowable for each essential component and the possible activities that can be funded.
Funding
The following regulations can be found on the NJDOE Administrative Code p²¹²µ±ð:
- N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.1, 8.2 Intervention and Referral Services
- N.J.A.C. 6A: 16-7.6 Attendance