Gresham‑Barlow schools report progress on districtwide MTSS; principals cite improved communication and targeted supports

GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham‑Barlow School District staff and building leaders on Jan. 8 updated the school board on implementation of an equity‑driven multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS), saying a stronger data flow and clearer team roles are helping schools intervene earlier for students.

District MTSS coordinator Michelle Cohen told the board the district is focusing first on strengthening universal (tier 1) practices and leadership teams that use screening data and teacher observations to decide whether students need additional or intensified supports. “We are continuing to develop our fluency with using data, really answering the question: how well are universal systems supporting our students’ needs,” Cohen said.

At Gordon Russell Middle School, Principal Aaron Volker and student management specialist Marcus Williams described multi‑year work to separate and track “yellow‑zone” (additional) and “red‑zone” (intensified) student needs, formalize meeting rhythms and use Panorama and SWIS to document interventions. “Every time something happens, every time there’s a conversation or a meeting, that message…