Marquette Elementary implements MTSS to decrease special education disproportionality

The Madison Metropolitan School District's Board of Education Instruction Work Group convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in addressing disproportionality in special education referrals and the implementation of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) at Marquette Elementary School.

During the meeting, district officials highlighted the successful implementation of an anti-racist pre-evaluation process aimed at ensuring equitable experiences for students prior to special education referrals. Notably, there has been a downward trend in the identification of students with emotional behavioral disabilities, an area that has historically shown significant disproportionality. The district is committed to maintaining this positive trend while also addressing areas of concern, such as the consistent identification of students with intellectual disabilities and a slight increase in other health impairments.

Principal Becky Petersen of Marquette Elementary presented the school's MTSS framework, which is designed to identify and support students' individual needs. The MTSS process involves collaboration among various educational professionals and families to create tailored intervention plans. Petersen emphasized the importance of proactive strategies, such as reviewing academic data and previous interventions, to identify students who may require additional support.

The MTSS team at Marquette conducts regular meetings to assess student progress and adjust interventions as necessary. They also facilitate Student Support and Intervention Team (SSIT) meetings, which include family participation to ensure a comprehensive approach to student support. This collaborative effort aims to address both academic and social-emotional needs, fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing commitment to reducing disproportionality in special education and enhancing support systems for students. The implementation of the MTSS framework at Marquette Elementary serves as a model for addressing individual student needs while promoting equity and inclusion within the educational system.