Judson ISD proposes MTSS period for middle schools, keeps current programming through 2025–26

Judson ISD administrators told trustees they will retain current middle‑school programming through the 2025–26 school year while implementing a new MTSS (multi‑tiered system of supports) period in middle schools to provide enrichment, refinement and remediation in math and reading.

Administrators said the state’s shift from RTI (response to intervention) to MTSS requires attention to “all students” — not just students who “did not meet” state standards — because district accountability emphasizes year‑to‑year growth across proficiency bands. In the proposed model, students identified as “did not meet” and “approaches” in math or reading would be scheduled into an MTSS period; students at “meets” and “masters” could opt in if parents request it. Staff described MTSS periods as teacher‑led small groups, stations, or enrichment rotations focused on targeted needs and said campuses would continue work on Tier 1 instruction and weekly monitoring of student and teacher progress.

Trustees and staff discussed projected class sizes and scheduling. Staff said earlier RTI models sometimes required one RTI teacher to serve six sections, with groups of 15–25 students, which limited small‑group intervention. Under the proposed model, general‑education teachers would have an MTSS planning period and would keep a consistent roster so they could serve their students during MTSS blocks; administrators said master schedules must be reworked and counselors may be asked to return earlier to complete reassignments.

Board members raised concerns about effects on elective courses and Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Administrators said they have considered sharing teachers across campuses and stacking sections so that middle‑school electives and introductory CTE courses remain available; they also noted that students who need remediation may have fewer elective options while remediated, and principals will need to manage schedules to preserve electives for students where possible. Trustees asked that strong teachers be placed in the places of greatest need and that progress be monitored weekly.

Administrators said parents will have the option to opt their children out of MTSS for meets/masters students (the parent must initiate opt‑out or opt‑in in writing or by email pursuant to state guidance), but did not provide a standardized district opt‑out form because state guidance restricts district‑created opt‑out forms; staff said an email from a parent is sufficient to effect opt‑in or opt‑out.

No formal board action was required to present the curriculum initiative; trustees expressed general consensus and asked staff to return with data and monitoring plans. Administrators said final STAR results will be shared in August and that the administrative leadership will monitor campuses and teacher practice weekly.