Looking over my 25 years in education, I find we’ve made what we do far more complicated than it has to be. It can be so easy to get lost in the myriad of interventions and support strategies designed to help struggling learners. However, before we dive into specialized tiers of support, we must first ensure that our Tier 1 instruction—the foundation of all learning—is robust and effective. In my experience, transforming traditional teaching into purposeful, learner-centered learning experiences is crucial. It’s not about doing MORE. Educators are working far too hard to add more. It’s about working on the work that works best. By perfecting our core instructional practices, we lay a strong groundwork for all learners to succeed, minimizing the need for additional interventions.
Build Strong Relationships: The Heart of Tier 1
At the core of effective Tier 1 instruction is the ability to build strong, positive relationships with learners. When learners feel understood, valued, and connected to their teachers, their engagement and motivation soar. Strong teacher-learner relationships are crucial for creating a supportive learning environment. That’s exactly why its effect size is 0.62 or 1 ½ years’ learning potential. In practical terms, this means investing time in getting to know our learners, understanding their unique needs and interests, and creating a classroom culture that fosters trust and respect. How can we expect to give feedback if we don’t truly know our learners? An even better question, how can we expect our kids to receive and act on our feedback if they don’t trust us? By doing so, we not only enhance learner engagement but also create a solid foundation upon which all other learning can be built.
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: Ensuring High-Quality Instruction
Tier 1 instruction must be grounded in evidence-based practices to be effective. Using research-backed strategies maximizes learner learning outcomes. This involves staying informed about the latest educational research and being willing to adapt and refine our teaching methods. For example, incorporating formative assessments to gauge learner understanding, using differentiated and scaffolded instruction to meet diverse learning needs, and applying techniques that promote active learning can significantly enhance the quality of our Tier 1 instruction. These are not just reserved for specialized or identified groups of kids. Every single learner needs to have meaningful and effective learning designed for them on a daily basis. That’s how we get where we want to be. By ensuring that our core teaching practices are effective and up-to-date, we create an environment where all learners have the opportunity to succeed from the outset.
Purposeful Engagement: Making Every Moment Count
One of my key messages is the importance of purposeful engagement in the classroom. We do not have a lack of overall achievement in our schools; what we have is a lack of quality engagement. Fun activities that lack educational value can be a distraction rather than a benefit. Instead, every classroom activity should have a clear learning objective that contributes to the overall educational goals. This means designing lessons that are both engaging and meaningful, ensuring that learners are not only having fun but also making progress in their learning. There are proven ways to do this. All we have to do is make it a purposeful, collective practice in our schools. By focusing on purposeful engagement, we make every moment in the classroom count, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of our Tier 1 instruction.
Focusing our improvement efforts on Tier 1 instruction is essential for creating a solid foundation for all learners. By building strong relationships, implementing evidence-based practices, and ensuring purposeful engagement, we can create an effective and supportive learning environment. By perfecting our core instructional practices, we set the stage for all learners to succeed, reducing the need for additional interventions and support. Let’s commit to making Tier 1 the best it can be, solid gold, for the benefit of every learner in our classrooms.
