Prioritize Whole-Child Supports like MTSS and Social-Emotional Resources

Tell state Legislators that investments in whole-child supports like MTSS and social-emotional resources must be a priority for the budget this year

Our schools need to meet students where they are, especially in a year of crisis and crossroads across the country.

Systems that are designed to be responsive, like a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), are proven to create and sustain safe learning environments that target students’ academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs. This year, young people across Washington are experiencing greater levels of trauma due to the ongoing public health emergency, increased social isolation, and continuous instances of racial violence in the country. With a fully implemented MTSS framework and more robust social-emotional resources, every school will be prepared to identify, resource, and provide the right supports to each child so that they can thrive as a student and as a whole person. Investing in both MTSS and additional social-emotional resources now will not just help meet immediate needs, but also work to address systemic challenges that better position students and schools for long-term benefits after the federal funds run out.

Budget proposals were released last week, and legislators need to know that districts need tools like MTSS and social-emotional resources in order to meet kids where they are to help them heal and grow. While Governor Inslee and the House both recognized the power of MTSS and included funding for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to develop the technical capacity districts need to implement this framework, the Senate did not include any additional funding. Additionally, the House alone is calling for more funding for OSPI to support the development and use of research-based, social-emotional learning curricula, especially among high-poverty school districts. We need both in order to ensure safe and responsive learning environments for every student in Washington.

Use this form to contact all members of the Washington state Legislature and tell them that investments in whole-child supports like MTSS and social-emotional resources must be a priority for the budget this year.

For more information, read our issue brief on Supportive and Safe Schools.

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