In New Mexico, schools use a three-tier approach to match students with an appropriate level of instruction and/or intervention.
• In Tier I, all students receive appropriate, standards-based instruction including any grade-level or school-wide interventions, as well as monitoring and screening for potential problems. Tier I interventions are provided in the general education classroom.
• In Tier II, students who have not responded significantly to Tier I are referred to the school’s Student Assistance Team (SAT) and may receive an individual intervention plan. This plan could include more intense instruction, individually or in a small group, and is provided in addition to the general education curriculum.
• In Tier III, a student qualifies for special education services and receives specially-designed instruction and related services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
In all tiers, a student is progress monitored to see if the instruction and/or intervention are effective.
